The Swine it Podcast Show Canada - #03: Learning from the best: the latest updates on mammary development in sows

We ask a lot from our sows and put great effort into improving their performance. However, in many cases, they don't produce enough milk and colostrum in order to sustain the maximum growth of the piglets. That's why optimizing the milking capacity of sows and stimulating their mammary development is so essential – that’s also why we have invited one of the pioneers in that topic for today’s episode: Dr. Chantal Farmer. From Canada to the whole world, Dr. Farmer's vast experience and research have contributed a lot to the global swine industry, especially regarding sow lactation biology. She explains the details of mammary development and shares the results of her recent studies in this area, bringing her perspective on practical improvements for sow farms that producers should consider making.

What you’ll learn:

    ○ Why sow mammary development is so critical

    ○ Research on the late gestation period

    ○ How lysine can influence mammary development

    ○ Are we feeding piglets enough milk?

    ○ The involution process of mammary glands

    ○ Insights on sow longevity

Meet the guest:  

Dr. Chantal Farmer

Experience: 

    ○ Current: Research Scientist in Sow Lactation Biology at both the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre of Agriculture, and Agri-Food Canada.

Background:

    ○ Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University)

    ○ M.Sc. (University of Saskatchewan)

    ○ B.Sc. (McGill University)

Hobbies: reading, riding my horse, walking my dog.

Favorite book: Mostly, I love James Patterson... (murder mysteries)

Favorite quote: "We are the sum of our thoughts. What you choose to dwell on will dictate your emotions."

Tip for success: If you do it, do it right.