Swine farrowing conference    

[NOV. 2, 2004]  URBANA -- The Illinois Farrowing Conference scheduled for Dec. 8 will be at the University of Illinois Extension Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. According to Rob Knox, U of I Extension swine reproductive specialist, this program will focus on the delivery of information to help people improve the performance of sows and piglets in the farrowing barn.

The program features Duane Reese, Extension swine specialist from the University of Nebraska and a leading expert in farrowing swine, who will cover topics involving lactation physiology and piglet nursing behavior, feeding the lactating sow, as well as fallout pig management. The program also features Bill Hollis, a veterinarian from Carthage Veterinary Services, one of the premier veterinary clinics in North America, who will discuss the critical topics involving obstetrical intervention during farrowing and prevention and treatment of common diseases of sows and piglets in the farrowing house.

Gilbert Hollis, retired U of I Extension swine specialist and longtime leading expert in pork production, will discuss the best management procedures for processing baby pigs. Larry Firkins, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Extension swine veterinarian, will cover the problem of piglet mortality and how to minimize its occurrence, in addition to information on proper methods for euthanasia in pigs. Knox will discuss the physiology of farrowing and methods of farrowing induction in order to reduce stillbirths.

Another special feature of the program is the "guided tour" of the pregnant sow tract from conception until the time of pig delivery. This is a hands-on opportunity to view female reproductive anatomy and physiology during pregnancy and discuss the farrowing process with the speakers. This phase of the program is optional and will run from 8 to 8:45 a.m. The conference will begin at 8:55 and adjourn at 3:15 p.m.

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The program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension, University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Carthage Veterinary Services, and commercial sponsors and exhibitors.

There is a two-tiered registration fee: $25 if made by Dec. 1 and $35 for late and at-the-door registration. The fee includes lunch, proceedings and all program materials. To register for the program, contact Patty Sarver by calling [phone], by e-mail at [e-mail] or by fax to [phone].

For additional information, a copy of the program or to register, call Dr. Rob Knox at [phone] or contact him by e-mail at [e-mail]. To apply for sponsorship or commercial exhibit space, call Dave Seibert at [phone], ext. 224, or contact him by e-mail at [e-mail].

[University of Illinois news release]

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