Enhancing Piglet Immunity through Sow Vitamin Supplementation

Aug 12, 2024

Researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CDPQ, and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are investigating the effects of increased vitamin supplementation for sows during gestation. This study aims to improve piglet immunity against diarrhea by enhancing the immune response to vaccinations, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics and high levels of zinc oxide in their diet. Early findings suggest positive outcomes, and detailed results will be shared at industry events and published in academic journals.

Dr. Martin Nyachoti from the University of Manitoba highlighted that preliminary data indicates piglets born to supplemented sows exhibit stronger immune responses and better health. The goal is to provide a practical, cost-effective solution to common piglet health issues, benefiting both animal welfare and farm productivity.

Source : Swine Web

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.