This one of a kind book covers the basics in pig biology from genetics, reproduction, nutrition and growth, to timely and current discussions on human resource management and social farming issues. It combines knowledge of biological studies with opportunities for getting practical experience in the pig production business. Unlike other texts, this book leads readers to understand the techniques involved in pig production’s rapid growth and industry successes, and provides managers of small family farms or corporate establishments with an invaluable resource for applying these strategies and methodologies to boost business and production efficiencies. Beneficial for introductory through advanced curriculums, training programs, or as a helpful reference, it is an unparalleled source for the basics and beyond in modern pig production.

The science and practice of pig production has changed rapidly overrecent decades; new husbandry practices, new understandings ofgrowth, reproduction and health, new appreciations of welfare andenvironmental impact, new nutritional approaches, and modernreproductive and genetic techniques have all come into being,together with the emergence of new health challenges. Now in its third edition, this long established reference bookon the management, breeding, feeding, nutrition, health and welfareof pigs has been fully revised to provide clear and currentinformation on both the practical and scientific aspects of the pigindustry. With the help of a new panel of international experts anda senior editor, the overall structure now contains input frominternational centres across Europe and North America. This edition includes: Updated versions of existing chapters; Completely revised and new sections on: Pig meat and carcassquality, Reproduction, The maintenance of health, Nutritional valueof protein and amino acids in feed stuffs, Value of fats and oilsin pig diets, Product marketing, Environmental management,Simulation modelling; Input from international authorities; Many tables, diagrams, photographs and figures.

This is a fully comprehensive handbook providing a clear and informative guide to the management, health and welfare of pigs. Practical elements of the text are derived from worldwide knowledge of production practices at farm level, while scientific aspects are dealt with in depth to allow full understanding. The information is presented in a style that encourages both practical and scientific reference. The text is illustrated throughout with tables, diagrams, photographs and figures, and the information is clearly presented, enabling immediate scientific and practical use.

Whilst it can mean enhanced biosecurity, more intensive and globalised pig production (based on a narrowing genetic base) also potentially increases the risk of disease and its spread. It has been estimated that production diseases can lower pig production efficiency by 10-15%, though financial losses can be much greater. The sector must allocate more resources to the creation and development of preventative measures that can be used to tackle the threat of disease. Optimising pig herd health and production provides a comprehensive review of the wealth of research on optimising pig health to prevent the development and consequent spread of diseases that can devastate the industry, such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Chapters in this volume consider the methods used to prevent disease outbreaks, ranging from on-farm strategies, such as managing feed, housing and stocking density to optimise health, to the development and use of vaccines.

Advances in Pig Welfare, Second Edition continues its complete coverage of key areas of pig welfare assessment, management and improvement. The book covers both recent developments and reviews of historical welfare issues, with 12 new chapters addressing the most relevant and significant issues from a global perspective. Sections review the needs of pigs, including chapters on the physical environment and the social and emotional needs of the animals, key welfare issues in the pig's lifecycle from birth to slaughter, including weaning, aggression and pig-human interactions, and emerging topics such as prenatal stress, individual differences and organic farming. Final sections cover pig welfare and attitudes towards pig welfare amongst farmers and other stakeholders. Written by an international team of leaders in the field, the book continues to be a useful resource for practicing vets involved in welfare assessment, welfare research scientists and students, and indeed anyone with a professional interest in the welfare of pigs.

Among the first creatures to help humans attain the goal of having enough to eat was the pig, which provided not simply enough, but general abundance. Domesticated early and easily, herds grew at astonishing rates (only rabbits are more prolific). Then, as people spread around the globe, pigs and traditions went with them, with pigs making themselves at home wherever explorers or settlers carried them. Today, pork is the most commonly consumed meat in the world—and no one else in the world produces more pork than the American Midwest. Pigs and pork feature prominently in many cuisines and are restricted by others. In the U.S. during the early1900s, pork began to lose its preeminence to beef, but today, we are witnessing a resurgence of interest in pork, with talented chefs creating delicacies out of every part of the pig. Still, while people enjoy “pigging out,” few know much about hog history, and fewer still know of the creatures’ impact on the world, and specifically the Midwest. From brats in Wisconsin to tenderloin in Iowa, barbecue in Kansas City to porketta in the Iron Range to goetta in Cincinnati, the Midwest is almost defined by pork. Here, tracking the history of pig as pork, Cynthia Clampitt offers a fun, interesting, and tasty look at pigs as culture, calling, and cuisine.

The important management techniques of the most successful pig producers today are made available in this textbook through the practical advice of an award-winning pig consultant. The book describes and analyzes likely future developments and how they might fit into the economic scene—incorporating a unique econometric (cost-effective) interpretation in addition to research and field trial performance results. The groundbreaking “Business Management” section is based on the experience of advising on some 3,500 pig farms across 32 countries and is just one of the many in-depth features of this essential guide.