Inside the Helix

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.

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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 theoretical ROI for each program.

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.

The nutritional needs of our pigs change throughout the course of their life cycle. In this podcast, you will hear from Jason Schneider, a technical consultant with DNA Genetics, who will be discussing feeding strategies for sexually mature gilts and boars.

As the U.S. swine industry has shifted more toward a Duroc sire in the last decade, some producers have noticed a difference in how the pigs transition from weaning to nursery. Hear from Dr. Amanda Cross, director of genetic programs, on how the DNA Genetics Line 600 can improve your experience with starting your pigs properly in the nursery.

Precision livestock farming can assist producers with the increased production demand and decrease resources. Lexi Meister, nucleus support with DNA Genetics, discusses the benefits and opportunities of precision livestock farming. Using these new technologies decrease subjectivity and increase accuracy of production.

A fertile boar is an important component of any swine operation. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman, research coordinator with DNA Genetics, explains her research focused on the terminal Duroc boar. Through her work, she's exploring pre-production boar management and its impact on future semen quality.

Biosecurity protocols must be strictly followed in swine operations to prevent disease outbreaks. Having a truck wash system is an important component of a robust biosecurity plan. Ryan Strain, director of transportation with Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, explains what swine producers should consider as part of their truck wash protocol. 

Through efficient semen usage, swine producers can reduce unnecessary expenses and minimize waste. Dr. Cory Faust, veterinarian and director of DNA Genetics' gene centers, describes strategies producers can implement to utilize their genetic supplies most effectively. 

Brazil is the world's fourth largest pork producing country. Recently, Glauber Machado, a Brazilian businessman, veterinarian and DNA Genetics distributor, was in the United States and visited with "Inside the Helix." He discussed reasons behind the industry growth, challenges and opportunities for Brazilian producers. 

For many swine producers, gilts are the future of their farms. Ensuring gilts reach their full potential is key in overall gilt development. In this episode, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham, veterinarian and director of health with DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms, describes DNA's research focused on stocking density. She also explains the impact stocking density has on the timing of estrus and heat checking accuracy. 

While weighing gilts can be a tedious process, it's critical to the reproductive success of a farm. In this episode, Brady McNeil, multiplication business lead with DNA Genetics, explains why weighing gilts is so beneficial, and he describes various ways to complete this process. 

Swine producers want animals that are robust, meaning pigs that are resilient and can perform well no matter the environmental challenges that exist. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje, Chief Technical Officer with DNA Genetics, explains why improving robustness matters, and he describes how DNA Genetics is maximizing on this trait through its genetic program. 

Routine walk-thrus can help identify and troubleshoot potential problems producers may be experiencing on their farms. In this episode, Paul Faris, technical services specialist with DNA Genetics, explains why producers might schedule a walk-thru or troubleshooting visit, and he describes the process of these events. 

In the fifth and final part of our miniseries focused on DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," Dr. Jason Schneider, technical consultant, describes sow farrowing care. In the segment, Dr. Schneider discusses recommendations on gestation lengths, feeding rates, farrowing assistance and farrowing room temperatures.

In the fourth segment in a five part series focused on DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," Dr. Amanda Cross, director of genetic program implementation, explains first 48-hour pig care. Dr. Cross says pig survivability is greatly impacted by the first two days of life. She also provides a simple checklist producers can follow to maximize first 48 pig care. 

Feeding for Body Condition Management is the third pillar in DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care." Joining the conversation on this topic is Brady McNeil, multiplication business lead with DNA Genetics. In this segment, Brady discusses body condition scoring methods, feeding rates and recommendations on target body condition. 

In part two of our series focused on the "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," we discuss estrus detection with Dr. Steve Terlouw, director of reproductive physiology with DNA Genetics. Dr. Terlouw describes strategies producers can implement to ensure a smooth gilt breeding process. 

"Gilt Development" kicks off part one of a five part miniseries focused on the "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care." These five pillars, developed by DNA Genetics, were developed to ensure producer success in gilt development, estrus detection, first 48-hour piglet care, sow farrowing care and feeding for body condition management. In this segment, Dr. John Sonderman, technical services director with DNA Genetics, discusses why gilt development is arguably the most important of all of the five pillars. 

As temperatures decline, swine producers may be focusing their efforts on winter ventilation. In this episode, Andy Jakubowski, a director with Pillen Family Farms, discusses strategies producers can implement to ensure pigs are healthy and comfortable throughout the winter months.