Animal and Human Health Implications of Livestock Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
The apparently recent emergence of ST398 MRSA in livestock populations in many countries is a valid cause of consternation, and the public health implications need to be better understood. However, in approximately seven years since being first recognized, the burden…
An evaluation of back-drafting of non-filtered air as a source of PRRSV infection to pigs housed in filtered facilities and whether selected intervention strategies can reduce this risk
The objectives of this study were to demonstrate that the risk of PRRSV-contaminated aerosols entering a facility via retrograde air is a true risk though unfiltered points (i.e. idle fans); to titrate the minimum air speed necessary to introduce PRRSV-contaminated…
Evaluation of lipid oxidation levels in DDGS sources and impact of feeding (with or without antioxidants) on swine health, performance, and metabolic oxidation
Background: Oxidative damage in feedstuffs represents a significant economic loss because it negatively affects pig health and growth performance. Lipid peroxidation occurs during the production of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Corn oil, which is typically present at…
Interactive effects of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and housing system on sow performance and longevity
Background: Use of DDGS in diets for growing swine has been the focus of much research effort in the past 5 – 7 years with little attention paid to DDGS use in diets for breeding females. In fact, sows are…
PRRSV Modulation of the Porcine Antibody Repertoire
Antibody responses play a crucial role in defense against many viral diseases, and knowledge of critical functions can be used to monitor and predict vaccine efficacy. We have identified the features of key antibodies produced in response to PRRSV, and…
Structural characterization of the PRRSv glycan shield
Knowing the composition and structure of PRRSV is an important prerequisite for development of immunological prevention and control strategies, just as knowing what a spark plug looks like is important when you need to replace it. The surface of a…
Assessment of the effects of diets containing DDGS with supplemental tallow on fat digestibility, growth performance, carcass and fat quality in growing-finishing pigs
The use of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in swine diets has increased dramatically in recent years due to the increased availability and cost competitiveness of this corn co-product compared to corn and soybean meal. Due to high ingredient…
Characterization of Mycoplasma hyorhinis transmission and spread within endemically infected populations
Bacterial diseases create a significant economic impact in today’s swine industry by causing an increase in mortality rates and a reduction in feed efficiency and growth. Polyserositis is one of the main causes of mortality in nursery pigs. The bacterium…
Application of FTA based technology for the collection and transport of clinical samples to detect PRRSV by RT-PCR
The ability for producers to succeed depends in part, on their ability to rapidly respond to emerging and existing disease challenges. Submission of fresh samples to diagnostic laboratories in a timely manner often represents a challenge. The use of FTA…