Swine

All Swine Content

Several young swine in a feeding facility.

Branched Chain Amino Acids Levels in Swine Diets Containing Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles

Incorporation of dried distillers grains with solubles in swine diets above 20% can negatively impact growth performance of pigs. An imbalance in the branched chain amino acids, specifically excess leucine, is one potential explanation of this decrease in performance.

SDSU off-site wean-to-finish production barn.

Balanced Branched Chain Amino Acids in High Corn-Distillers-Dried-Grains-With-Solubles Diets Adjusted by Soybean Meal Level

Recent research at the SDSU commercial wean-to-finish research facility investigated the growth impact of different branched-chain-amino-acids-to-lysine ratios in swine diets high in corn distillers dried grains with solubles.

Three men smile for the camera. The man in the center holds a plaque

2024 Master Pork Producers announced

February 28, 2025

The 2024 South Dakota Master Pork Producer winners were announced Jan. 15, 2025, during the 56th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls. Recipients are Brian Mehlhaf, of Madison; Cristina Rocha, Iroquois; and Ross Mencke, Onida.

A sow and her piglets rest in dry and clean pen. Courtesy: USDA

Registration open for 2025 SowBridge educational series

January 24, 2025

SowBridge is for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and in swine genetics and reproduction. The 2025 series begins on Feb. 5, and will generally continue on the first Wednesday of the month from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CST. The fifth session will be on May 28 to avoid conflicts with the World Pork Expo.

Veterinarian and pork producer with clipboard inspecting a hog pen.
Jan 07

SowBridge Webinar: SessTreating Sows According to Farm SOP

Join swine industry experts from the around the nation for a SowBridge webinar about SessTreating sows according to standard operating procedures on January 7 beginning at 11:15 a.m. CST.

Veterinarian inspecting several young pigs in a swine facility.
Dec 03

SowBridge Webinar: Heat Synchronization Protocols

Join swine industry experts from the around the nation for a SowBridge webinar covering heat synchronization protocols on December 3 beginning at 11:15 a.m. CST.

Piglets feeding in a farrowing stall.
Nov 05

SowBridge Webinar: Farrowing Stall Environment Management

Join swine industry experts from the around the nation for a SowBridge webinar covering farrowing stall environment management on November 5 beginning at 11:15 a.m. CST.

Pigs in a feeding facility

SDSU Extension to host CAFO training

November 12, 2024

Specialists from South Dakota State University Extension, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide the training.

Two animal disease researchers analyzing samples in a lab.

Swine Foreign Animal Disease Preparation: A reflection through the legacy of Gord Downie

The threat of foreign animal disease outbreaks demands preparedness, rapid response, and a community-wide effort to mitigate damage. Interestingly, the legacy of musician Gord Downie offers a framework for approaching these issues with urgency, empathy, and a forward-looking perspective.

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.