Swine

All Swine Content

Group of young swine bunched up in a research pen.

Distillers’ Dried Grains With Solubles Decreased Feed-To-Water Ratio

Recent research at SDSU found that using distillers’ dried grains with solubles in swine diets showcased a significant impact on water consumption, leading to a decrease in the feed-to-water ratio.

Two young swine drinking water in a wean-to-finish facility.

Considerations of Water for Sustainable Swine Production

The sustainability of water for swine revolves around responsible sourcing of water, efficient distribution, waste management, and continuous improvement in farming practices.

A row of sow pens in a swine facility.

Capsicum Oleoresin Fed to Grow-Finish Pigs Improved Carcass Value

Feed additives are low incorporation, non-nutritive, feed ingredients designed to provide benefits in the growth, feed efficiency, and/or feed intake of animals and ultimately lower the cost of production.

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.

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.