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Abstract: The Importance of Optimal Body Condition to Maximize Reproductive Health and Perinatal Outcomes in Pigs

Abstract: The importance of optimal body condition to maximize reproductive health and perinatal outcomes in pigs

Overnutrition or undernutrition during all or part of the reproductive cycle predisposes sows to metabolic consequences and poor reproductive health which contributes to a decrease in sow longevity and an increase in perinatal mortality. This represents not only an economic problem for the pig industry but also results in poor animal welfare. To maximize profitability and increase sustainability in pig production; it is pivotal to provide researchers and practitioners with synthesized information about the repercussions of maternal obesity or malnutrition on reproductive health and perinatal outcomes; and to pinpoint currently available nutritional managements to keep sows' body condition in an optimal range. Thus, the present review summarizes recent work on the consequences of maternal malnutrition and highlights new findings.

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How the PRRS-resistant pig provides innovation and impact for farmers – full-length film

Video: How the PRRS-resistant pig provides innovation and impact for farmers – full-length film


What is the real-world impact of innovations like the PRRS-resistant pig for producers, scientists and the entire pork industry? For the Chinn family, sixth generation hog farmers in Missouri, who have dealt with devastating PRRS breaks before, the possibility of eliminating PRRS means the promise of passing the farm down to the next generation. For university researchers like Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam at UC Davis, it means scientists could use genetics to precisely decrease animal disease. And for consumers, it means the pork on your plate is no different, except for its resistance to disease.