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Articles by Jon Holt
Drinking Water has the Potential to Alter Swine Microbiome
By Lauren Anderson and Jon Holt, North Carolina State University Knowledge and understanding of the swine microbiome can provide insights into health and disease issues impacting pig production systems. It is an exciting time to be involved in microbiome research, as it is a relatively young field that is full of potential for discoveries and advancements.
Commercial Camera Solutions for Weighing Finishing Pigs Automatically
By Anh Nguyen and Dr. Jon Holt, North Carolina State University Body weight measurement of pigs is essential for monitoring performance, welfare and overall production value. Direct weight measurement provides the most accurate results but is time-consuming, often leads to increased animal stress and decreases overall production performance. Alternatively, finishing pigs body weight can be estimated visually by experienced caretakers. However, this method often lacks consistency and accuracy.
Finishing pigs benefit from increased dietary soybean meal
In a previous article highlighted in National Hog Farmer, we reported that extensive displacement of soybean meal (SBM) reduced growth rate and eroded feed efficiency in early finishing pigs (84-166 lbs..). Supplementation with crystalline amino acids negatively affected growth and feed efficiency in SBM control diets without DDGS. In contrast, crystalline amino acid addition to DDGS diets did not reduce growth, which appeared to be the result of increased intake.
Potential benefit of soybean meal on gain, feed efficiency of growing pigs
Soybean meal has traditionally been considered an excellent protein source for pigs because of its well-balanced amino acid profile and its competitive cost compared to other protein sources. Inclusion levels of soybean meal in swine diets has decreased over the years because of the availability of crystalline amino acids, increased use of distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and the price reduction of tryptophan; the latter causing dietary soybean meal content to dramatically decrease.
Drinking water has the potential to alter swine microbiome
National Pork Board Preliminary examination suggests that oral, nasal, rectal and vaginal microbiomes were distinctly different in sows from the two research farm locations. By Lauren Anderson and Jon Holt, North Carolina State University | Aug 06, 2020 Knowledge and understanding of the swine microbiome can provide insights into health and disease issues impacting pig production systems.
Animal science meeting showcases swine industry innovations
National Hog Farmer There is no doubt the future is bright in terms of finding answers to problems producers are facing. By Jon Holt and Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University | Mar 05, 2020 As the U.S. swine industry continues to evolve, so do the ideas and research that will guide pig farmers into the future. The annual meeting of the Midwest Section of the American Society of Animal Science, held March 2-4 in Omaha, Neb., was a showcase of such innovations and work.
Technology advancements will continue, but can’t replace caretakers
Getty Images/iStockphoto Goal of precision systems is to make the caretakers more efficient at the job they must do. Oct 03, 2019 By Jon Holt and Rhea Hebert, North Carolina State University hnology is ever present on today’s hog farms, and who knows what the future holds for advancements to aid producers in making their operations run more smoothly.
How does water quality impact growth in weanling pigs?
kadmy_iStock_Thinkstock Producers should closely monitor the quality of the drinking water provided to pigs and make sure it is within the quality standards suggested. Jan 03, 2019 By Eric van Heugten and Jon Holt, North Carolina State University Department of Animal Science The quality of drinking water provided to pigs is thought to be important, and poor water quality is likely to negatively impact growth performance and health of pigs.
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