Prevalence of tail lesions in Swiss finishing pigs.

Tail biting and lesions are common problems in modern pig production. In 2008 tail docking to prevent tail biting was banned in Switzerland. Since then pigs have been raised with intact tails.

Application of an economic calculator to determine the cost of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome at farm-level in 21 pig herds in Germany.

Background: Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) continues to be a major economic issue for the swine industry worldwide, not only due to acute outbreaks but also endemic infections. PRRS disease severity and consequently financial losses can vary greatly between endemically infected farms and estimation of damage is challenging. This study aimed to assess the economic effect of PRRS in a systematic way at individual farm-level for endemically infected herds, using a PRRS cost simulation tool.

[Use of antibiotics in Swiss piglet production and fattening farms].

In 164 randomly selected Swiss piglet production farms and 101 fattening farms, the indication for antibiotic use in 2012/2013 was recorded and an animal treatment index (TBI) was calculated for each age group. Sows were treated on average 0.9 days per year mainly due to mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA).

A Transdisciplinary Approach Supporting the Implementation of a Big Data Project in Livestock Production: An Example From the Swiss Pig Production Industry.

Big Data approaches offer potential benefits for improving animal health, but they have not been broadly implemented in livestock production systems. Privacy issues, the large number of stakeholders, and the competitive environment all make data sharing, and integration a challenge in livestock production systems. The Swiss pig production industry illustrates these and other Big Data issues.

Variables of initial examination and clinical management associated with survival in small ruminants with obstructive urolithiasis.

Background: Obstructive urolithiasis is a common disease associated with a guarded prognosis in small ruminants.

Hypothesis/objective: The results of physical examination, laboratory analyses, and clinical management of male small ruminants presented to 2 referral clinics were investigated to identify variables significantly associated with disease outcome, so as to provide better recommendations to animal owners regarding the management of these patients.

Animals: Two-hundred ten small ruminants (130 sheep and 80 goats) with confirmed diagnosis of obstructive urolithiasis.