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1. ELISA assay as a diagnostic tool (1/2): Basics and uses
February 3 - In this article, Ramirez Alejandro explains that the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is one of the most widely used diagnostic tools worldwide, particularly in swine production medicine. He reports that ELISA is commonly applied in disease surveillance, monitoring, and diagnosis, making it essential for veterinarians to understand how the assay works, what it detects, and its advantages and limitations.
2. The Signs of farrowing: Physiology and sow behaviour
January 20 - Robert V. Knox and Jacqueline Springer report that modern breeding herds now achieve litter sizes of 14 to 16 piglets, but this increase also raises the risk of stillbirths. They explain that recognizing the physiological and behavioural signs of farrowing, within a gestation range of 112 to 119 days, allows farmers to better anticipate delivery and improve piglet survival.
3. Occupational disease risks for handlers of pigs and pork
January 7 - In this article, Dra. Kristina Roesel and Prof. Reinhard Fries explains that occupational diseases arise from work-related exposure and notes that people working across pig supply chains face specific health risks. It reports that beyond physical injuries such as bites, pigs can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans through close contact or handling.
4. Africa’s pig industry: past and present status
March 31 - In this article, Ayobami Olasupo reports that pig production in Africa has evolved over thousands of years and is closely linked to the continent’s cultural, economic, and agricultural development. He explains that domestic pigs are not indigenous to Africa and were introduced through a series of deliberate and accidental movements, with their spread shaped by five key historical events that influenced the growth and structure of the industry.
5. What insemination method should I use?
March 10 - Javier Gil Pascual reports that there is no single best insemination protocol, as both simple and complex systems can yield good or poor results depending on the farm. He emphasizes that often the insemination method, rather than the timing guidelines, determines success.
6. Drugs and Needle sticks present unintended health hazards for swine producers and workers
March 3 - Kelley J. Donham reports that needle sticks are among the most frequent occupational injuries in swine production, especially in farrowing and nursery-grower operations. He notes that a 2011 review and survey found that approximately 80% of livestock producers and workers experience accidental needle sticks annually.
7. ELISA assay as a diagnostic tool (2/2): Interpreting results
April 7 - A brief overview of how ELISA results should be interpreted,by Alejandro Ramirez highlighted key limitations such as timing of antibody detection, inability to distinguish vaccine from natural infection antibodies, and the risk of false results due to assay sensitivity and variability.
8. Dimension and design of the farrowing unit
April 28 - Bjarne K. Pedersen explains that the farrowing unit is the most costly but also one of the most critical facilities in the sow unit, as it must balance the needs of sows, piglets, and staff. He reports that proper design should support all-in all-out management, effective temperature control for animals with differing thermal needs, low noise levels, and adequate pen and crate dimensions to improve piglet survival, sow comfort, and overall productivity.
9. A simple tool to increase the amount of colostrum available to newborn piglets
April 21 - Chantal Farmer reports that colostrum is vital for newborn piglets as it provides essential energy, passive immunity, and key nutrients needed for early growth and development.
10. Sow card: Accurate record keeping is essential to improve production performance
August 18 - An article written by 333 Staff states that good data recording is essential for planning farm activities, analyzing results, and identifying possible causes of problems.
