Swine Biosecurity, Production Systems, & Swine Industry

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to swine biosecurity, production systems, and industry concepts from the lecture notes.

Biosecurity

Steps to protect the swine population from entry and transmission of disease agents (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic).

Airborne spread

Pathogens traveling through the air, enabling spread over distances (e.g., M. hyopneumoniae, PRRS).

Fomites

Inanimate objects or materials that transfer pathogens (clothing, boots, trucks).

All-in/all-out

Production method where pigs move through facilities in groups with no mixing between groups to limit disease spread.

Farrowing crates

Crates used during farrowing to reduce piglet crushing; may limit nesting, common in commercial operations.

Nursery

Production phase from about 5 kg to 25–30 kg; ~7 weeks; all-in/all-out and specialized feeding/housing.

Grow-finisher

Production phase from about 25–30 kg to 110–115 kg; ~180 days; roughly 6 months.

Breeding

Stage involving artificial insemination (widely used; ~98% of sows) and estrus detection.

Gestation

115-day pregnancy; often a mix of stalls and pens; governed by Code of Practice.

Estrous detection

Detecting heat for breeding; timing linked to insemination and pregnancy checks (e.g., ultrasound at 25–35 days).

Farrowing

Birth process of piglets; farrowing crates reduce piglet crushing; drying agents used; bedding varies by system.

Multi-site production

System with multiple sow herds sending pigs to a single nursery; increases efficiency but requires strong management.

Sounders

Wild pig social groups; high reproductive rates and a reservoir for diseases.

CAZ (Controlled Access Zone)

Pig farm yard and driveway with restricted access to protect biosecurity.

RAZ (Restricted Access Zone)

Area where pigs are housed; defined entry protocols.

Code of Practice

Industry standards for swine welfare and husbandry; informs management across phases.

Contaminated feed

Feed ingredients or packaging that can carry live viruses; holding/feed storage can reduce viral survival.

African swine fever (ASF)

Foreign animal disease with high mortality; a major biosecurity risk via feed and trade.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Swine disease affecting reproduction and respiratory health; key biosecurity consideration.

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGE)

Coronavirus causing gastroenteritis in pigs; significant disease threat in swine industry.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)

Coronavirus causing severe diarrhea in piglets; major blight for swine herds.

Pseudorabies virus (Aujeszky’s disease)

Bovine-like herpesvirus affecting pigs; can be severe and is a key swine pathogen.

Pasteurella multocida

Bacterium involved in swine respiratory disease; common in diagnosis via nasal swabs.

Salmonella Choleraesuis

Salmonella serotype associated with swine disease; part of biosecurity concerns.

Erysipelas rhusiopathiae

Bacterium causing erysipelas in pigs; vaccination available.

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

Bacteria causing swine dysentery; highlighted as a pathogen of concern.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

Respiratory pathogen causing enzootic pneumonia in pigs.

Gilts

Young female pigs bred for replacement; typically 20–30 weeks at breeding.