Project Abstract from the Proposal

The project addresses the primary obstacle reported by swine farmers producing for sustainable markets – farrowing and the health of pigs in the first weeks of life. Just as this problem has multiple causes, so no "silver bullet" treatment or short-term, single-focus study is likely to be successful in reaching a solution. In fact, the solution may be one of process as much as practice or products. The process initiated by this project is one of communication and collaboration among three groups – producers, field veterinarians, and university-based scientists.

We will conduct longitudinal case studies of 9 farms representing a variety of alternative systems and levels of farrowing success. We will monitor management, the swine environment, nutrition, maternal genetics, health and sanitation practices, animal stress, disease, and unique aspects of the operation. We will offer training to the state's field veterinarians, and through these events and farmer recommendations will assemble a support group of veterinarians sensitized to the dynamics of alternative swine systems and trained to deal with their problems. This core group of veterinarians will become "eyes and ears" of the project, conveying observations, data, and samples to Iowa State University scientists and using state-of-the-art information in their interactions with sustainable farmers. Farmers, vets, and ISU personnel together will determine optimal systems and interventions based on information gathered. Veterinarians will gain confidence in these interventions and will carry this capacity into their private practice.