insights

The future and antibiotics in the European pig sector: the case of ileitis One of the main challenges faced by the pig sector is the decrease in the consumption of antibiotics by the animals. We, as a society, demand that the animal products that we consume come from pigs that have enjoyed optimal conditions during all … Read more

Hosts Jessica and Miquel discuss the three pillars of biosecurity with Dr. Miguel Ángel Higuera, who represents the Spanish swine industry at a national level. “The Spanish industry has adopted an intense biosecurity mentality that delivers results”, says Dr. Higuera.   Spain has had no African Swine Fever since 1995 and has boosted production by more than … Read more

In this episode of PigCast, hosts Miquel Collell and Jessica Seate investigate Japan’s excellent reputation for biosecurity with Dr Satoshi Otake.  Border controls and successful vaccination programmes have been highly effective in eradicating swine disease in Japan. The country learnt important lessons from PRRS and applied them to eradicating Aujeszky’s Disease as well.    Despite this success … Read more

Miquel and Jessica talk about biosecurity with Dr Jer Geiger, Health Assurance Veterinarian at the Pig Improvement Company (PIC). In this episode the hosts examine Dr Geiger’s belief that producers have to embrace a biosecurity mindset to be effective. The conversation explores the differences of scale and practise between the US and Chinese markets. Considering the … Read more

Hosts Miquel and Jessica discuss ‘Good Management, Good Pigs… and the importance of Health’ with Jake Waddilove, a principal partner in Eastgate Veterinary Group and experienced pig-specialist veterinarian. Mr Waddilove explains how the UK’s small wild boar population and physical isolation have protected it against ASF so far.  But, as 40% of all pigs raised … Read more

Hongyao Lin and Miquel Collellwelcome Prof Gonzalo González-Mateos this week, a world-leading expert in animal feed and nutrition. The trio discuss whether, if antibiotic use is restricted, producers have to accept the trade-off between gut health and pig growth?    Prof González-Mateos warns that people often get lost seeking easy answers to complex questions. But investigating scour is like ‘dealing with … Read more

In conversation with Hongyao Lin, Dr John Pluske – one of the Australian swine industry’s leading experts on nutrition and gut health – explains Australia’s remarkable absence of ASF and PRRS, and answers questions about the best ways to protect pigs against ETEC and Swine Dysentery.   Against the background of Australia’s tough biosecurity regime and … Read more

Hongyao Lin and Professor Adam Moeser, Director of the Gastrointestinal Stress Biology Laboratory at Michigan State University, discuss the long-term effects of stress on gut health and productivity in swine.   The stress response is a normal, beneficial mechanism and some stressors are inherent in the production process, argues Professor Moeser. However, it is clear from studies … Read more

In conversation with hosts Miquel Collell and Stephan von Berg, Professor Eric Cox – Director of the Laboratory of Immunology at the University of Gent (UGent) –discusses the goals and limitations of a great vaccination strategy. What are the different routes to mucosal immunity? Will the ‘perfect’ vaccine ever exist?  Stephan and Professor Cox explore … Read more