Streptococcus suis is present in almost all pigs and is considered endemic in all countries with an extensive swine industry. However, not all forms of Streptococcus suis in pigs are inherently pathogenic. In today’s episode with Dr. Jessica Santos-Streauslin, we talk about...

As we discuss the future of poultry production, animal welfare always comes up as a hot topic – but what do we really know about it? Is it possible to understand what and how a chicken feels? Measuring emotion and affective state in chickens is quite a novel and complex field of study in...

Ketosis is a constant and persistent metabolic disorder in post-calving cows on dairy farms. Due to the need to produce more milk, cows cannot consume enough energy to maintain their performance, which leads to a negative energy balance. That's when the cows start mobilizing fat to try to fix the...

What causes ear tip necrosis in pigs? For years the answers have varied widely from genetics to mycotoxins as well as many other hypotheses. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Matheus Costa about his research determining the causative agent for ear tip necrosis. Several past hypotheses have been...

It is possible to work in a variety of areas related to poultry production, but the goal is always the same - achieve the best possible outcome for the animals, producers, and consumers. Our role as technical support for poultry production requires us to be adept at these aspects and find a...

What makes a dairy farm successful? Simply enough: daily improvements in efficiency and every aspect and element of a dairy farm is a contributor. Among all factors, one of the most critical ones is nutrition – and amino acid balance plays a significant role. Additionally, effective...

With ASF so close to our borders, we need to make sure we are prepared for if it spreads to the U.S. because if it crosses our borders, we need to act fast. One of the main factors contributing to the success of containment is speed, so identifying its presence on your farm must be quick. In this...

Poultry production includes more than just one species. Each one of them has its own characteristics, so production for each species is conducted differently. There are many differences between turkeys and chickens when it comes to nutrition, general management, facilities, and behavior, so the...

There are many differences between backyard poultry operations and commercial poultry systems. Backyard poultry can include pets as well as animals as a food source – such as eggs – and diseases can be introduced into the flock in many ways that are unnoticed by the owner. And...

Having effective biosecurity protocols is critical, especially with ASF not too far away from our borders. While they may be commonly found on large scale facilities, many small farmers may not have many practices in place. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Andréia Arruda about some of the...

Lawsonia intracellularis, the bacteria that causes ileitis, leads to poor animal performance through poor feed conversion, and even mortality for pigs. That’s why it is a major concern for many pig producers across the globe. Therefore, it's essential to understand how sows contribute to...

Sustainability is all about keeping humans and nature in harmony. Subsequently, there has been a broad discussion regarding sustainable production, net zero emissions, and the use of antibiotics and water in animal production. So, we need to consider the environmental impact of animal production...