Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Mark Knauer
Enhancing sow health, livability with increased vitamin D3 supplementation
Weekly boluses of vitamin D3 in late gestation significantly reduced sow mortality in older parity females without altering piglets weaned. Mark Knauer,Extension Swine Specialist,North Carolina State University schedule4 Min Read Since 1998, reproductive throughput (defined as piglets born per litter) has increased 37% (Figure 1).
Is Nutrition Impairing Sow Health and Livability?
Since 1998, USDA has reported a 37% increase in sow productivity. Over the same period, however, the National Research Council’s (NRC) “Nutrient Requirements of Swine” has increased recommendations for only four out of 10 trace minerals and just one out of 14 vitamins. Consequently, nutritional guidelines have perhaps not kept pace with genetic progress.
North Carolina State scientists connect sow prolapse to nutrition
Sow prolapses have continued to plague pig farmers for 10-plus years. Yet few management techniques have been reported to mitigate their occurrence. New data from North Carolina State Swine Extension supports the concept that sow prolapse is a genotype × environment interaction. Maternal line genetics have progressed rapidly with the addition of genomic selection. Yet how different is the gestation diet you are feeding today from the one you fed 10 or 20 years ago?
Science-driven approaches to enhancing sow livability
Sow livability continues to challenge U.S. swine production systems. While scientific understanding in this area is expanding, solutions remain limited. Hence, what existing knowledge can help pig farmers enhance sow livability? While farm records commonly attribute sow mortality to lameness, prolapse, or sudden death, necropsies often further detail and insight. Data from five studies (Figure 1) revealed that arthritis and cartilage disorders account for 39% to 88% of lameness-related euthanasia.
Strategic teat selection can enhance piglet throughput
The importance of the number of functional teats in relation to piglet throughput has been recognized for decades (Enfield and Rempel, 1961). However, as litter sizes have increased over the past 10 years, genetic selection for this trait has not kept pace. In 2019, we initiated research at the NCDA Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, North Carolina, to create genetic selection lines for functional teat count using composite of Landrace × Large White females.
Is vitamin C a key piece to the sow survival puzzle?
Swine geneticists have designed a sow that emulates a race car. She is sleek and lean and she has incredible piglet output. Yet, is our race car receiving high-performance fuel, or is she getting something that resembles the 2-cycle fuel you would use to power your weed whacker or your leaf blower? With implementation of genomic selection, geneticists have been able to change the sow faster than ever.
USDA invests $17.6M to protect livestock health, ensure adequate food supply Original
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has invested $17.6 million to advance agricultural research that protects the health and welfare of agricultural animals. These projects include high-priority research on highly pathogenic avian influenza and African swine fever. These projects are part of USDA’s “One Health” efforts, an integrated, collaborative approach to address issues that impact the health of people, plants, animals and our ecosystems.
Christensen Farms promotes Howard to president, CEO
Christensen Farms, one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States, is pleased to announce the promotion of Greg Howard to the position of president and chief executive officer. This strategic leadership change comes as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to growth and excellence in the pork industry.
Farm Progress America, September 5, 2024
Mike Pearson tells listeners how the USDA is making changes in the school lunch program as the new year gets underway. The USDA has ruled out some new regulations for lunches. The goal is to bring a stronger focus on farmers and nutrition. The new changes require more farm to school connections and higher nutrition. The idea is to elevate school lunches and give farmers a chance to do more marketing to schools.
Genetics of disease resistance in wean-to-finish pigs
Heritability can be defined as the proportion of variation within a trait that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors (Falconer and Mackay, 1996). A heritability estimate ranges between 0 and 1 where an estimate of < 0.10 may be considered low and a heritability of > 0.30 might be considered high. Genetic correlations range from -1 to 1 with zero indicating no genetic association between two traits and a genetic correlation close to -1 or 1 meaning two traits are very similar.
EXCEDE® for Swine (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) rapidly reached therapeutic plasma concentration levels
Joining us in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to discuss new research findings related to how quickly EXCEDE ® for Swine reaches therapeutic plasma concentration levels in pigs is Dr. Micah Jansen, Managing Technical Services Veterinarian for Zoetis Pork. Dr. Jansen details research presented at last fall’s Leman Swine Conference and why it's relevant to veterinarians and pork producers when making antibiotic treatment decisions for swine respiratory disease.
Shurson named American Society of Animal Science Fellow in research
University of Minnesota Professor Gerald (Jerry) Shurson was honored to receive the American Society of Animal Science Research Fellow Award at the joint meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and the Canadian Society of Animal Science in Calgary, Alberta. This award recognizes individuals who have provided distinguished service to animal science and the livestock industry over a long period of time.
Genetics of wean-to-finish survival and throughput
Heritability can be defined as the proportion of variation within a trait that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors (Falconer and Mackay, 1996). A heritability estimate ranges between 0 and 1 where an estimate of < 0.10 may be considered low and a heritability of > 0.30 might be considered high. Genetic correlations range from -1 to 1 with zero indicating no genetic association between two traits and a genetic correlation close to -1 or 1 meaning two traits are very similar.
Mark Knauer| National Hog Farmer
Subscribe to Our Newsletters National Hog Farmer is the source for hog production, management and market news SIGN ME UP
La genética de la supervivencia de los lechones
IdiomacatalàDeutschEnglishespañoleuskarafrançaisgalegoitalianoportuguêsromână
The genetics of piglet survival
By Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University Heritability can be defined as the proportion of variation within a trait that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors (Falconer and Mackay, 1996). A heritability estimate ranges between 0 and 1 where an estimate of < 0.10 may be considered low and a heritability of > 0.30 might be considered high.
Identifying functional teats in swine
Teat size in the nursery, relative to surrounding teats, directly correlates with teat size and function later in life. By Mark Knauer, Zack Peppmeier and Kai Hsiang Lin, North Carolina State University An additional functional teat on a sow can enhance piglet survival by 2 to 3%. Yet identifying and counting functional teats can be time consuming and somewhat subjective. Hence, the aim of this article is to enhance the ability of farm technicians to identify functional teats.
Does the modern sow produce enough colostrum?
By Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University and Jeff Wiegert, Texas A&M University It is well known that piglet colostrum intake at birth is largely related to piglet survival during lactation. Further, increased colostrum consumption has also been reported to enhance nursery survival. Given the importance of colostrum, have geneticists forgotten about it? The answer is perhaps yes and no.
Body Condition Targets to Optimize Sow Well-Being, Reproduction
By Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University Keeping sows in ideal body condition can be a balancing act. Females that are too thin entering farrowing may have greater stillbirth rates, be more likely to develop shoulder lesions during lactation and have inadequate body reserves at weaning for successful subsequent reproduction. On the other hand, overly fat sows generally incur excessive feed costs and are prone to reduced lactation feed intakes.
Genetic Parameter Estimates for Teat and Mammary Traits in Commercial Sows
Abstract : Simple Summary The use of genetic selection in livestock has allowed farmers to enhance the sustainability of their operations by producing animals that require fewer inputs relative to animal outputs. In swine, geneticists have selected for sows that farrow larger litters, which has reduced the feed required per piglet produced. Yet challenges remain with piglet survival from birth to weaning.
Associations between Sow Body Lesions with Body Condition and Subsequent Reproductive Performance
1. Introduction Monitoring injuries is a useful method of assessing well-being in sows [1] . For sows housed in stalls increased body weight has been shown to increase injuries, but for group housed sows an increase in body weight may decrease injury frequency [1] . Sow injuries to the feet, vulva and shoulders have been reported in multiple studies [1] - [6] , thus identifying strategies to minimize injuries is an important aspect of enhancing sow well-being.
Associations between Sow Body Condition with Subsequent Reproductive Performance
1. Introduction Sows are commonly fed during gestation based on a subjective body condition target [1] . Yet [2] reported participants consistently over or underestimated visual sow body condition, forming their own “ideal”. Inconsistencies in visual body condition evaluation may lead to sows being improperly fed, resulting in impaired reproduction. Hence, objective methods of scoring sow body condition should be developed and evaluated in relation to reproductive performance.
NC State marks successful 3rd annual Swine Innovation Forum
Last month the North Carolina State University swine specialists hosted our third annual Swine Innovation Forum. Our guests represented over 55 universities, farms and affiliated industries representing thousands of head of swine. Starting off the day on a high note, Todd See, professor and head of NC State's Animal Science Department, gave the audience an informative update on the department's performance and future grant-funded projects across the university's animal research farms.
Ammonia and waste management systems in wean-finish barns
Pig manure contains a wide variety of corrosion-inducing chemicals such as ammonia. Ammonia production and its release are influenced by temperature and moisture in the barn environment, as well as number and size of the pigs. High levels of ammonia can negatively affect pig health and growth, as well as pose a risk to human health. The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for an 8-hour workday is 50 parts per million.
Can we predict which sows die?
Sow death loss continues to be an animal well-being, economic and sustainability challenge for pig farmers. The majority of sow death loss occurs during late gestation and lactation. Unborn piglets are not able to survive when a sow dies in late gestation. During lactation, sow death (depending on stage of lactation) reduces the availability of colostrum, milk and functional teats to a batch of piglets. Hence, sow mortality impedes reproductive throughput.
Sow death loss associated with parity, sow body condition
Sow death loss continues to challenge pig farmers. Hence, further characterization of the problem may be helpful toward finding solutions. Our group characterized sow mortality at a 2,600 head commercial sow farm in eastern North Carolina over a 27-week period. Sows were housed in individual stalls during gestation. Therefore, there was limited competition between sows during feeding. Sow mortality was specifically evaluated between day 95 of gestation and 30 days post-farrowing.
Summer body condition at farrowing influences litter size
Seasonality in reproduction can impair our ability to maintain consistent throughput. Sows that lactate during warm summer months may have poorer subsequent litter sizes and farrowing rates when compared with sows that lactate during non-summer months. Our team recently evaluated the impact of parity and prefarrow sow body condition, in a hot environment, on subsequent farrowing rates.
Automating ultrasound measurements of backfat, loin depth
The objective of this study was to develop an equation-based model for the automation of swine backfat depth and loin depth estimates obtained from ultrasound images. Commercial pigs (n=190; Duroc × (Landrace × Large White)) were reared in a mechanically ventilated facility in north central North Carolina. An Exapad ultrasound machine was used to capture longitudinal images (n=1168) of the last three ribs at 194 (±5) days of age.
Impact of sow location in farrowing room during heat stress
Heat stress costs U.S. pig farmers hundreds of millions of dollars each year in lost productivity (St-Pierre et al., 2003). Facility design and maintenance can very much help in the battle to mitigate the impact of heat stress on pig productivity. While production systems often validate farm-to-farm variation in relation to seasonality in reproduction, evaluating facility variation within a farm is less common.
Feeding strategies to reduce farrowing duration, boost piglet survival
Piglet vitality is an important component trait of maximizing reproductive throughput. We believe there are existing management and nutritional technologies available to enhance piglet vitality that are perhaps underutilized. Based on data from Denmark, the United States has developed a concept of feeding sows multiple meals prefarrow versus feeding once daily prefarrow to reduce the number of stillborn piglets.
Prefarrow fat supplementation impact on piglet survival, reproduction
Strategies to improve piglet nutrient access (Figure 1) are needed to enhance piglet survival. Past research shows feeding fat to sows prior to parturition and during lactation improves piglet energy stores, sow colostrum fat percentage, sow milk fat percentage and piglet survival (Pettigrew, 1981). However, many of these past studies were conducted 40-plus years ago. Since then, a multitude of changes has occurred in U.S. swine production.
Weighing Pigs Without a Scale: A Simple Tool for Estimating Pig Weight
(NC State University/YouTube) By Dr. Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University Pig farmers recognize the importance of pig weight. The economics of marketing decisions, dietary phase changes, deciding when to mate gilts, etc., are all closely tied to an approximation of pig weight. However, available tools to capture pig weight, without the use of a scale, are limited. In relation to simple body measurements, heart girth circumference is perhaps the most accurate way to estimate pig weight.
Does basic copper chloride source impact grow-finish performance?
Micronutrients, such as copper (Cu), account for a very small portion of pig diets. Yet Cu source can have a sizable impact on grow-finish performance. Differences exist between differing forms of Cu such as Cu sulfate, basic Cu chloride (BCC) and organic sources of Cu. Yet within Cu form, few studies have looked to establish differences.
Is weaning age or weaning weight more important?
kadmy_iStock_Thinkstock Evaluating factors associated with nursery throughput.
Impact of sow transition diet, genetic line on reproduction
North Carolina State University Study explores promising sow transition technologies with farrowing duration and piglet characteristics.
Does Parity 1 litter size impact subsequent reproduction?
National Pork Board First parity sows may struggle to consume enough energy and nutrients during lactation to support subsequent reproduction. By Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University | Oct 01, 2020 There is a commonly held belief among many pig farmers that first parity sows should be "loaded up" with piglets to prevent unsuckled teats. The theory being that unsuckled teats in the first parity have a negative impact on subsequent milk production.
Does farrowing crate size impact piglet survival?
Reminiscing back to my family's 50-head pure-line sow herd in the 1980s, I recall we on occasion had a sow that barely fit into the farrowing crate. I can remember a particularly large Landrace sow, as wide and as long as the crate, that appeared quite uncomfortable. She ended up laying on multiple piglets. I'm sure some of you may share a similar story. Now fast forward to 2020. One would think we would have the optimal farrowing crate size figured out. Yet I'm not sure we do.
Slow pig growth by turning back the clock on your feeding program
Getty Images News/Scott Olson As one might expect, the 2005 genetic line performed better when fed the 2005 industry diet versus the 1980 diet. By Mark Knauer and Eric van Heugten, North Carolina State University | Jun 04, 2020 Given the harvest facility issues pig farmers have faced this spring, many are seeking solutions to slow pig growth.
Genetics of piglet throughput
Throughput in relation to sow productivity can be defined as pounds of piglets weaned per sow. Using this definition, reproductive throughput would be a composite trait of number of piglets weaned and piglet weaning weight. Given pig producers are paid based on pounds marketed, weight weaned per sow appears to be a reasonable reproductive breeding objective for genetic suppliers.
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.
Selecting replacement gilts
Eight important factors for selecting replacement gilts at the commercial level. Mark Knauer, Dalton Obermier and Zack Peppmeier, North Carolina State University; Jeff Wiegert, Texas A&M University | Feb 06, 2020 Selecting replacement females is an important step towards maximizing sow lifetime productivity and farm profit. Yet which traits should commercial farms focus on when selecting gilts for the sow farm?
Pedicures for pigs?
Even with an appropriate tool, trimming feet is no easy task, so we have provided some tips and tricks to get the job done. By Mark Knauer, Brooklyn Wagner, Zack Peppmeier and Monique Pairis-Garcia, North Carolina State University | Nov 07, 2019 Overgrown toes and dew claws (digital overgrowth) impair animal well-being and impact producer profitability by increasing lameness prevalence, reducing sow longevity and negatively impacting reproductive throughput.
Mark Knauer - NC State University
Privacy Preference Center When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies.
Genetics of swine functional teats
By Audrey Earnhardt and Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University Piglet survival is of great importance for swine producers throughout the world due to its relationship with animal well-being and farm profitability. Recent data in the United States indicate piglet survival has perhaps decreased as litter size has increased (Figure 1). Yet production systems and geneticists alike are working fervently to reduce this trend.
A cure for pig tail biting?
Getty Images/Adam Berry Utilizing a paper bag, or other material that can be damaged/destroyed, may help reduce tail biting in pens where biting has already started. Jul 03, 2019 By Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University Tail biting can be an aggravating problem to tackle. The vice is an animal well-being issue that can reduce farm profit. While there are a multitude of scientific studies related to tail biting, an abundance of solutions that work to stop the issue are not available.
Feeding for that first drop
By Jeff Wiegert and Mark Knauer, North Carolina State University Genetic selection for greater litter size, without emphasis on piglet quality, has reduced piglet birth weight (Lund et al., 2002). Light-birth-weight piglets are slower-growing and a greater mortality risk before reaching market weight (Fix et al., 2010a; Fix et al., 2010b).
Does mixing pigs influence farm throughput?
National Pork Board Keeping litters intact throughout the nursery phase may be challenging, but future design strategies may be implemented to capture value from not mixing pigs at key points in the pigs’ life cycle. Mar 07, 2019 By Mark Knauer and Jeff Wiegert, North Carolina State University Stressors have been clearly shown to impact pig performance (Hyun et al., 1998). Mixing pigs at nursery and finisher placement is common practice in modern commercial production systems.
To bump or not to bump?
National Pork Board Results suggest increasing gilt feeding level in late-gestation does not impact mean piglet birth weight when gilts are over-conditioned. Feb 07, 2019 By Mark Knauer and James Quick, North Carolina State University Bump feeding, or increasing sow feeding level in late-gestation, is inconsistently utilized across the industry. Hence, there is opportunity to better understand bump feeding and determine if and when females should be bump fed.
Can show pig genetics be used in commercial production?
By Mark Knauer, Dalton Obermier and Zack Peppmeier, North Carolina State UniversityThe show pig sector of the swine industry is often thought to be quite different than modern commercial production. While show pig breeders tend to focus on the appearance of an animal, swine geneticists focus on selecting for traits of economic importance. Hence, in theory, modern commercial genetic lines should have superior economic value when compared to show pig genetics.
How much does a fat sow herd cost?
By Mark Knauer, North Carolina State UniversityLast week I had the opportunity to attend a series of nutrition seminars and present on sow body condition management. One of the attendees posed the question “why do we still have sow herds that are fat?” At a break in the program I tracked down the attendee to ensure my answer was sufficient and to see what perspectives I may gain. The attendee believed that farmers did not understand the true cost of having fat sows.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Mark
Contact Mark, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack