Doc Talk Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Host: Dr. Dan Thompson
• Guest: Dr. Chris Rademacher, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Role: Swine Extension Veterinarian and Senior Clinician
• Topic: Swine Lameness
  • Increasing concern in the swine industry
  • Economic impact on producers

Background

• Industry Experience: Dr. Rademacher has extensive experience in the swine industry across the United States.
  • Swine lameness incidents have increased over the past 15-20 years.
  • Transition to indoor facilities and artificial insemination affects animal selection.
  • Increased market weights contribute to lameness concerns.

Breeding Herd

• Artificial Insemination Impact:
  • Reduced necessity for structurally sound animals.
  • Selection for prolific sows, neglecting structural integrity.
  • Long-term implications on sow longevity and herd health.
• Genetics Sourcing Change:
  • Shift from external genetics suppliers to in-house production.
  • Less stringent selection criteria for replacement animals.

Grow-Finish Herd

• Increased Lameness Incidents:
  • Genetic selection for fast growth and reproductive success over structural soundness.
  • Heavier finishing weights strain musculoskeletal systems.
  • Disease and nutritional factors contribute to lameness.

Disease and Nutrition Factors

• Mycoplasma Diseases:
  • Increase in cases, related to bone structure issues like osteochondrosis.
• Nutritional Imbalances:
  • Enzyme Phytase in diets can cause phosphorus imbalance if ineffective, leading to bone issues.

Prevention and Management

• Nutritional Approaches:
  • Use of organic trace minerals (e.g., Zenpro) to improve hoof structure and performance.
  • Studies show improved retention rates and sow productivity with trace mineral supplementation.
• Confirmation and Selection:
  • Importance of selecting animals with proper structural confirmation.
  • Historical insights: older sows with better confirmation remain productive longer.

Diagnostics and Intervention

• Veterinarian Involvement:
  • Essential for diagnosing and managing lameness issues.
  • Coordination with diagnostic labs for thorough evaluation and intervention strategies.
• Multifactorial Nature of Lameness:
  • Complex issues often require a broad approach to diagnose and resolve.
  • Cost-effectiveness of proper diagnostics to mitigate long-term economic losses.

Conclusion

• Takeaway: Swine lameness is a multifaceted issue with genetic, nutritional, and management components.
• Call to Action: Work closely with veterinarians and utilize proper nutritional and genetic strategies for prevention.

Additional Information

• For more details or to watch past programs, visit Doc Talk TV
• Sponsors:
  • MK Animal Health
  • AgriLabs
  • Zenpro
  • Norbrook Laboratories
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