David Stender, Swine Field Specialist, Northwest
New reproductive technologies are increasingly available and require an ever higher level of management to apply them correctly and cost efficiently. A seminar was held in March, 2005. Fifty-five producers attended in northwest Iowa. Participants were asked to measure their improvement in knowledge and skills by filling out a post seminar survey and mailing back in. A significant portion of swine production in Northwest Iowa was in attendance at this workshop. Follow-up surveys were obtained from 15 of these operations close to a year after the seminars took place. The operators not only remember the topics covered but listed substantial changes in their operations as a result of the seminars.
The following are responses to actual talks given at last years conferences, the changes listed have been implemented during the past year:
100% (n=15) have used general information from seminar to make more informed herd management decisions.
4 operations (27%) have implemented Rob Knoxs reproductive management ideas to improve reproductive performance and that has changed the performance level of the sow herd.
8 operations (53%) implemented a change in management in the reproductive area
6 operations (40%) have changed the way I select gilts, now looking more at confirmation.
8 operations (53%) have a better understanding of the cost of nonproductive day and importance of throughput.
3 operations (20%) understand deep uterine AI more fully and have looked into applying that technology to my breeding herd.
5 operations (33%) have decided to run a closed genetic herd through helpful information from John Mabry.
9 operations (60%) have increased weaning age.
The following lists examples of actual changes made on operations during the last twelve months:
I always pick up certain details to improve my operation from each seminar.
Supported a lot of practices we were already doing. Great job.
Just little breeding detail tips every day.
I picked up various things throughout the workshop.
Much information is useful for future decisions. Real-time Nutrition & gilt evaluation.
Re-valuated AI technique timing of estrus.
I increased my weaning age by 3 days and improved my breed-backs substantially.
14 operations (93%) estimated value of the program to their operation:
0 $10 to $50 4 $500 - $1000
2 $50 - $250 3 $1000 - $2000
2 $250 - $500 3 $2000 - $5000
As you can see from the previous table 10 out of 14 valued the workshop at over $500.
April 6, 2006
108 - Iowa Pork Industry Center
Page last updated:
July 9, 2006
Page maintained by Linda Schultz, lschultz@iastate.edu
