Information
Scientific Program
Seminar #1: Gilt Development and Acclimatization
Rodger Main, chair
This seminar will provide attendees with an applied overview of the fundamentals involved in preparing replacement gilts for maximal productivity. We will begin with an applied review of literature followed by a domestic and international review of alternative systems of gilt development. We will then have our paradigms challenged by a look into how leaders in the poultry industry are acclimatizing replacement females. Finally, we will conclude with a detailed review of both traditional and emerging methods of acclimatizing replacement gilts.
Seminar #2: Applying PRRS Diagnostic Tools
Julie Ménard, chair
The aim of this session is to give tools to the practitioners for the interpretation of their PRRS results on a day-to-day basis. It will cover some basics of PRRS immunity, serology and sequencing. Some epidemiological aspects of PRRS as well as A.I. boar testing will also be discussed. There will be seven excellent speakers who will be available to you at the end of the session to answer your questions. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Seminar #3: Concepts of Large System Health Management
Matthew Turner, chair
Managing health within the constraints of a large system offers many benefits and challenges. This seminar will focus on some of the important topics that challenge corporate veterinarians today. Participants will leave this seminar with a new outlook on problem solving and trouble-shooting that can be applied to any system. If you are a large system vet or are interested in a systems approach to swine medicine, this is the seminar for you!
Seminar #4: Case Studies: A Six-Pack of Trouble (or Opportunity)
Rich Collins, chair
How many “not on the list” diseases or opportunities for improvement do swine veterinarians walk by every day? This session will focus on some of these and how the veterinarian diagnosed, treated and evaluated response in their case study.
Seminar #5: Boar Stud Issues
Bob Graybill, chair
Expert speakers will address current management practices relating to boar studs and practical approaches to improve semen quality through comprehensive assessments of boar stud health and performance parameters. Semen, extenders, and antibiotic usage will be discussed as to the impact each may have on sow reproduction. In addition, speakers will explore current practice issues related to management goals for optimal performance of a successful boar stud. Issues suggested on last year´s evaluation forms will be included in the presentations.
Seminar #6: Improving Profitability and Production through Better Animal Care
Cate Dewey, chair
This seminar will give the practitioner tools to enhance the welfare of pigs in commercial operations. It will cover the full breadth of phases of production and a variety of hot welfare topics. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the physiology behind sickness behavior, pain and healing. Management factors associated with transportation losses and shoulder ulcers will be discussed. We will also cover the role of personnel management on welfare and timely euthanasia. There are ten minute discussion periods after each speaker to enhance the exchange of information between participants.
Seminar #7: Foreign Animal Disease: Review, Terrorism, Preparedness, Experiences, and Impact
Mike Senn, chair
Seminar #8: Optimizing Reproductive Efficiency
John Waddell, chair
Top reproductive performance as measured by pigs per sow per year is an elusive goal for some farms. While 30 p/s/y is not yet common in Denmark , there are enough farms achieving and sustaining this level of production to demonstrate that it is possible with today´s genetics and technologies. This seminar will provide practical, take home advice on how we can help our clients push the envelope of reproductive efficiency towards 30 p/s/y.
Seminar #9: The Business of Veterinary Medicine for the Soon-to-be Veterinarian
Larry Firkins, chair
This session will be interactive throughout the program so come ready to participate and contribute. Learn what actions you can take today to allow you to be better prepared for your first years in practice. Three veterinarians who regularly teach business principles will share their knowledge in the areas of preparing yourself to demonstrate your value, developing your leadership skills and financial management that will impact your career and your life. A veterinarian from a swine consulting practice will cover the importance of mentoring and how she has used mentors to advance her career.
Seminar #10: Managing Feed Costs
Pete Pawluk, chair
Feed costs are still the greatest proportion of total input in the production of pork, and therefore represent the best opportunity for improving farm profitability. In this seminar we will discuss ways to measure, standardize, and benchmark feed costs. Then we'll apply this information to develop practical and effective nutritional cost control solutions for the farm.
Seminar #11: Applied Swine Medicine: Taking it to the Farm
Ross Kiehne, chair
This seminar will share four ways that other practitioners are using science to improve the farms they work with. Every talk will be summarized with take home messages. Practice (and farm) builders will be shared with some new ideas. We will be covering some of the most common diseases (PRRS, HPS, Flu) and learn how to make sure our interventions worked.
Seminar #12: Parity Segregation: Application in the Industry
James Kober, chair
Parity segregation has been used in the industry for several years. Benefits can be identified in the breeding herd and in the growing pigs when gilts and their offspring are segregated. We will hear lessons learned since parity segregated production was introduced and how it is being applied in systems of varying size.
For more details on the Program, check the AASV website.