In this episode, Dr. Robert Knox from the University of Illinois breaks down key factors impacting fertility in the breeding herd. He explains how estrus expression in weaned sows drives herd performance, why conception failures occur even in well-managed systems, and what litter size trends mean for pigs born alive. Dr. Knox also discusses fixed time AI, gilt development targets, and practical ways producers can reduce variation and improve reproductive consistency. Listen now on all major platforms.

"In a perfect world, non-pregnant females would return to estrus 21 days after breeding, but in reality, only about half express estrus, creating a significant challenge."

Meet the guest: Dr. Robert Knox is a professor and swine extension specialist in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. His work focuses on applied swine reproductive management, fertility diagnostics, estrus behavior, and reproductive efficiency in commercial systems. Dr. Knox supports producers worldwide by translating research into practical solutions for swine production.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:45) Introduction
• (02:33) Guest background
• (04:27) Estrus behavior
• (07:41) Fertility failures
• (25:45) Fixed time AI
• (33:16) Data analysis
• (35:43) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* dsm-firmenich

* Adisseo

- DietForge

- SunHy

- Cargill

- BinSentry

- Biofractal

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this special episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, marking World Veterinary Day, Dr. Joseph Connor, founder of Carthage Veterinary Service, discusses the industry’s vision for PRRS eradication in the US swine herd. Drawing on lessons from the pseudorabies eradication program, he outlines the role of biosecurity, regionalization, surveillance, pig movement management, and stakeholder alignment in making PRRS elimination a reality. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Alignment among producers, veterinarians, and regulators is the non-negotiable foundation of any effective disease eradication program.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Joseph F. Connor is the founder of Carthage Veterinary Service in Carthage, Illinois. With over 45 years in swine veterinary consulting, he has served as vice president of health services for PIC, mentored generations of swine veterinarians, and contributed to eradication program development across the US swine herd. He holds a DVM from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in Production Medicine from the University of Minnesota.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Swine Inner Circle! Join now and connect with leading experts in swine nutrition.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:30) Introduction
• (04:40) PRRS current status
• (09:17) Pseudorabies eradication
• (12:52) Eradication framework
• (15:34) Pig movement challenges
• (20:53) Grow-finish biosecurity
• (28:15) Final questions

The Swine it Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Adisseo

* dsm-firmenich

- Cargill

- Biofractal

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine it Podcast Show

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Mary Lisa Kasakamu, Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, discusses how thermal comfort and heat stress impact sow welfare in group housing systems. She breaks down the role of rubber mats, floor temperature, sow behavior, and practical challenges such as lameness and pen hygiene. Listen now on all major platforms.

“Rubber mats can reduce lameness, but the question is whether they also contribute to heat stress in group housed sows.”

Meet the guest: Mary Lisa Kasakamu is a PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, focusing on animal health, welfare, and precision animal management in swine systems. Her research examines thermal comfort, heat stress, and housing design impacts on sow behavior and well being.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Swine Inner Circle! Join now and connect with leading experts in swine nutrition.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!



What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:50) Introduction
• (06:35) Thermal comfort focus
• (09:10) Research insights
• (13:19) Rubber mats impact
• (14:17) Hygiene challenges
• (16:07) Lameness evaluation
• (21:47) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* dsm-firmenich

* Adisseo

- Cargill

- Biofractal

- DietForge

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine it Podcast Show

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LinkedIn: The Swine it Podcast Show