USA - AI in Swine Production Offered

A two-day intensive learning opportunity that concentrates on artificial insemination in swine production will be Thursday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 3 at the University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca. The course hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon or Friday. Registration deadline is Nov. 18. The course is designed for independent producers, unit managers and employees. AI in Swine Production is part of the Swine Training Program curriculum offered by the Pork Checkoff, Minnesota Pork Board, Minnesota Extension Service and U of M Swine Center. The per person registration fee is $100. The registration fee includes learning materials, lunches, breaks, instructor fees and biosecurity clothing for hands-on training sessions. Overnight lodging is the participant's responsibility. Curriculum will include sow anatomy and physiology, heat detection, intrauterine insemination demonstration, sow nutrition (lactation length, wean to estrus interval, gilt development), and semen handling, storage and extension. Class participants are also encouraged to take part in a reproduction problem-solving discussion. AI in Swine Production instructors will be Dr. Mark Wilson, Vice President of Technology Transfer for Minitube of America; Dr. Sam Baidoo, U of M educator with specializations in swine nutrition and management; and Dr. Roger Walker, U of M educator with specializations in swine breeding and genetics. For more information and a registration form, telephone Trudy Wastweet, Minnesota Pork Board Educator Director at (507) 345-8814; Dr. Sam Baidoo, U of M Swine Educator at (507) 837-5626; or Dr. Mark Whitney, U of M Extension Swine Educator at (507) 839-5541.