IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Swine producers interested in learning more about causes and solutions of swine reproductive problems are invited to attend the southeast Iowa reproduction workshop set for Dec. 12 in Iowa City. Campus and field extension specialists from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension will join University of Illinois extension swine reproduction specialist Rob Knox for the daylong workshop.

ISU Extension swine field specialist Terry Steinhart said Knox focuses his research on improving reproductive efficiency and performance of the swine breeding herd.

"Producers will hear from Rob in two different areas," he said. "He'll start the day with his session on reproductive anatomy and physiology of the female pig, specifically on exploring sow tracts, and he'll end the workshop with a presentation on boar libido and sow synchronization."

ISU Extension swine field specialist Larry McMullen said attendees also will get current information from ISU campus specialists Ken Stalder and John Mabry.

"Ken will explain how to accurately assess sow and gilt structure for breeding herd purposes, and will describe the software program on determining sow longevity," he said. "Iowa Pork Industry Center director John Mabry will talk about internal multiplication and breeding strategies that can maximize profitability of swine production systems."

Steinhart, McMullen and fellow ISU swine field specialist Tom Miller will present breakout sessions on Danish gilt development and cross fostering; sow feeding; and swine industry updates, the PQA Plus program, and manure issues.

Cost for the workshop, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., is $30 when registered by Dec. 8. Registration after that date is $50 per person. An informational brochure with registration information is available on the IPIC Web site at http://www.ipic.iastate.edu/information/SEIowa.reproduction.workshop.1206.pdf

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