Derecho Forces Evacuation of 25,000 Pigs After Winds Rip Barns Apart

 

While in the Southeast we have had problems with livestock after some recent hurricanes like Matthew, I don’t usually think about it in terms of bad weather in the Midwest. But the terrible derecho that they had last week has provided some interesting stories about how producers there are dealing with losses of barns, feed storage and some animals as well. Here is one story from The Packer on a pork producer in Iowa that you might be interested in reading.

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.