MSU's Swine Management SOPs: Empowering Excellence in the U.S. Swine Industry

Jun 19, 2023

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) play a crucial role in the U.S. swine industry, providing essential instructions for routine and technical tasks. These SOPs are particularly focused on meeting the requirements of NPB-sanctioned audit training processes, such as the Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) Site Assessment Audit or the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA). By adhering to these guidelines, swine producers can establish a safe environment for both swine and personnel, while ensuring the production of high-quality pork products for consumers.

The Michigan State University Extension pork team has developed a comprehensive set of SOPs, freely available to all swine producers, that align with the expectations of various programs and processors:

1. Housing and Environment:To maintain optimal conditions for swine, SOPs include

Back-Up Emergency Equipment Maintenance Record
Rodent Control SOP
Handling Equipment SOP
Rodent Station Label
Daily Temperature Record Sheet

2. Daily Animal Care: SOPs covering essential daily care tasks comprise

Feeding and Watering SOP
Treatment Management SOP
Daily Observation SOP
Piglet Processing SOP
Moving Non-ambulatory Animals SOP
Euthanasia SOP

3. Record-Keeping and Data Management: To ensure efficient data management, SOPs address

Emergency Action Plan SOP
Euthanasia Action Plan SOP
Needle and Sharp Usage SOP
Mortality Record Sheet

4. Training and Employee Safety: Promoting employee knowledge and welfare through SOPs like:

Animal Care and Abuse Policy
Biosecurity Policy
Visitor and Service Persons Biosecurity Policy SOP
Farm Visitor Log-In Sheet
Individual Caretaker Training Record
Caretaker Training

Customizing SOPs based on specific operational needs and consulting with veterinary or swine management experts is essential. The freely available SOPs created by the Michigan State University Extension pork team serve as valuable resources for swine producers, helping them meet the requirements of PQA+ and CSIA assessments. By implementing and consistently following these SOPs, swine operations can ensure the well-being of both swine and personnel, ultimately delivering safe and high-quality pork products to consumers.

To download the SOPS, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/standard-operating-procedures-for-your-swine-production-system

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.