Join Dr. Steve Terlouw in the second part of the reproductive management series as he discusses various tool for managing the estrous cycle. Dr. Terlouw shares various insights for managing gilts and sows for improved cyclicity and synchronization. Join us to gain a better understanding of these reproductive tools and how to appropriately apply them to achieve their intended purpose.
Dr. John Sonderman joins us to launch a two-part series on reproductive tools. In this episode, we unpack the practice of sow induction—its benefits, risks, and how it can shape farrowing outcomes. Dr. Sonderman walks us through key protocols and decision-making factors to consider when planning induction in your herd. If you’re aiming for tighter schedules, better piglet care, or just want to weigh your options, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman dives into the science behind pooled semen in the U.S. swine industry. She explains what pooled semen is, why it's used, and what recent research reveals about how sires are represented within litters. If you’ve ever wondered how pooling impacts genetic diversity, fertility, or litter performance—this one’s for you.
At DNA Genetics, we’re always looking for ways to deliver a better pig. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje explores how digital phenotyping can accelerate genetic progress—both in traits we already measure and those we haven’t been able to. He also shares how DNA is using this technology today and where it could go in the next five years.
Bringing boars to the stud takes a significant investment—but keeping them there is where the real return lies. In this episode, Dr. Cory Faust shares practical strategies to optimize boar management and extend their productive life, helping you protect your investment and boost long-term performance.
Gene editing holds great promise for advancing the swine industry, offering opportunities for genetic improvement and the potential eradication of specific pathogens like the PRRS virus. However, before this technology can be widely implemented, the industry must address several key challenges—particularly in supply chain logistics and both domestic and international market demand. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje, Chief Technical Officer at DNA Genetics, explores the potential benefits and drawb...
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman and Brady McNeil bust some of today’s biggest misperceptions about the DNA Line 241 female. Backed by data and real-world results, they dive into how this sow has evolved—becoming more efficient, easier to manage, and ultimately helping producers reduce labor costs without compromising performance.
We’re continuing our barn camera series with a closer look at how video monitoring is helping safeguard biosecurity at the highest level. Joining us is Jenna Mencke, Biosecurity Specialist at DNA Genetics, to share how cameras are used across our nucleus farms, the layers of protection they offer, and how team members are actively involved in their success. Tune in to learn how this technology is raising the bar for biosecurity in swine genetics.
In this episode, Andy Jakubowski launches the first installment of a three-part series exploring the evolution of camera technology in barns. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Andy takes us on a journey from the early days of camera use to the cutting-edge systems in place today. Along the way, he shares valuable insights and lessons learned—covering everything from setup and data storage to interpreting animal behavior and environmental cues!
In this episode with Brady McNeil, he will dive into a study on functional teat count and piglet weaning. Each additional functional teat supports weaning about one-third more pig. Loading up to one pig over teat count increases pigs weaned without raising pre-weaning mortality, but exceeding this threshold leads to higher losses without improving litter weight. 🔊 Listen now on Inside the Helix → https://ow.ly/lVHQ50VtvMi #SwineGenetics #FarrowingSuccess #InsideTheHelix...
In this episode, PhD student Mikayla Spinler shares insights from our summer research trial, where she explores the outcomes of two distinct split-suckling strategies.
Have you ever imagined a new or unique trait and wondered how it becomes a reality? In this episode, Dr. Randy Borg takes us behind the scenes of genetic innovation, exploring the process that transforms an idea into a tangible trait that producers can observe in the field.
Does your nursery have a lingering cough, yet they continue to test negative for influenza or PRRS? It could be Astrovirus 4. In this episode, Dr. Jamie Madigan, Veterinarian, discusses the presentation and management of Astrovirus 4 as well as a recent trial evaluating a new vaccine that can be given to sows pre-farrow.
Are you weighing the options for sourcing gilts? Wondering if raising them yourself might be the right move? In this episode, Brady McNeil, Multiplication Business Lead, dives into the pros and cons of purchasing gilts from a retail multiplier versus raising them on your own. Discover the various strategies available to producers and gain insights to help make the best decision for your operation.
So you want to be a Geneticist? Tune in to this episode as Dr. Randy Borg breaks down the fundamentals of genetic advancement and shares key insights into implementing a successful genetic program.
In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje shares how becoming the only independent, American-owned genetics company transformed the North American swine market. He also explores our distinctive approach to developing a genetic selection program centered on the most critical factor driving profitability in American production economics - throughput.
Are you looking for ways to optimize labor efficiency in the breeding barn while leveraging higher-indexing boars? In this episode, Dr. John Sonderman dives into the game-changing potential of PCAI—explaining how this innovative technique can streamline operations, boost productivity, and deliver real benefits for producers. Tune in to discover how PCAI can revolutionize your approach to breeding.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a major contributor to post-weaning diarrhea in nursery pigs. In this podcast episode, Dr. Randy Borg joins us to discuss a groundbreaking DNA Swine Genetics study that explores genetic resistance to F18 E. coli in nursery pigs.
Floor space is a critical factor in swine production, often serving as a fixed cost that significantly influences overall production economics. Optimizing the use of this space can help reduce costs, by decreasing the square footage allocated per pig. Dr. Ashley Hartman, Research Coordinator with DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms, explores research on varying space allowances for nursery pigs to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Having a successful lactation involves multiple processes going correctly. In this episode Paul Faris with DNA Technical Services discusses the key steps team members need to think about to minimize wean 0 sows, maximize the number weaning more than 11 and have 90% of the females cycle back in 5 days. The discussion starts with setting the female up for success prior to farrowing and goes through the farrowing process to post farrow environment and feed management.
In this episode of "Inside the Helix," Deb Augustine discusses how DNA Genetics has the largest semen distribution network in the world. With a strong emphasis on biosecurity, streamlined online ordering, and rigorous quality control, DNA Genetics’ Customer Service team manages the delivery of millions of fresh semen doses annually from their gene transfer centers to customers across the country, from the Northern Rockies to the East Coast.
As soy crush facilities expand, they bring with them the anticipation that soy hulls could become a valuable feed product, however we first must understand the impacts of lower energy rations. In this episode of “Inside the Helix,” Ethan Stephenson, Nutritionist for DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms, discusses research about the impacts of low energy rations on finishing diets.
In this episode of “Inside the Helix,” Dr. Jason Schneider discussed the key items to think about as we transition from new vs. old crop ingredients. The discussion focused on controlling nutrient variation, production parameters, and understanding mycotoxin prevalence and mitigation.
Are you and your team prepared for cooler weather and the ventilation challenges that come with fall temperature variation? In this episode of “Inside the Helix,” Paul Faris discusses managing the barn environment during the fall transition period. Paul explains the challenges of managing ventilation during this time and provides recommendations swine producers should consider as we head into fall.
In this episode of "Inside the Helix," Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham reviews both field data and trial results aimed at evaluating the timing of pig vaccinations. She and Brady McNeil, a co-investigator on the Production R&D committee for this study, compare livability, growth, and feed consumption between two pig vaccination programs and how the results have driven decision-making surrounding these programs. They also discuss the practical implications of implementation, labor, and theore...
At DNA Genetics, the health of our multiplication herd is of utmost importance. Recently, large strides have been made to provide our customers with the best possible product in our L241 female. In this podcast, hear from Dr. Matt Ackerman, director of health for external multiplication, on these specific improvements and their impact on production in the DNA L241 sow.
Understanding PRRS shedding patterns in our sow herds may help us to create and refine strategies during PRRS elimination attempts that can shorten herd closure times and increase chances of success. This podcast by Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham, Director of Health for DNA Genetics Nucleus and Pillen Family Farms, reviews two case studies that examine PRRS shedding patterns, along with several conclusions and recommendations to help swine producers in their PRRS management strategies.
For a swine breeding program to be sustainable, balanced selection criteria should consider both the biology and the economics of animal performance. In this episode, Dr. Randy Borg will explain how maintaining this balance, and focusing on these priorities, will create cumulative improvements that benefit producers. This balanced approach has provided the customers of DNA Genetics with unsurpassed sow performance, pig quality, and year over year genetic improvement.
Producers are always looking for ways to improve their operations and, thus, their bottom line. To identify key areas to focus on, you need to first understand where you fall in relation to your peers. In this episode, Dr. Steve Kitt, a swine nutritionist, discusses how to start benchmarking and some key metrics to look at to improve your bottom line.
In this episode of "Inside the Helix," you will hear from Dr. Iara Solar-Diaz, a geneticist with DNA Genetics, who will be talking about how training people impacts genetic progress.
