At this year’s World Pork Expo, improving swine herd efficiency through better health was a key focus. New research and technologies unveiled at the event aim to help producers prevent disease, boost reproductive performance, and reduce economic losses.
One growing area of concern is foot health. Though relatively new to industry discussions, foot lesions are proving to be both common and costly. According to Ton Kramer, business manager at ZinPro Corporation, a study of 30,000 sows across 300 farms found that 90% had foot lesions, with 40% suffering from severe inflammation. These lesions are not only a welfare concern—they also reduce litter size and lead to early culling.
The most frequent issues include white line lesions and heel overgrowth or erosion. Risk factors range from poor flooring and inadequate nutrition to water quality and a sow’s structural confirmation. Kramer recommends producers check foot health at least every six months, especially during farrowing. Unlike cosmetic fixes, he said, hoof strength depends on feeding practices that support high-quality tissue development. When selecting replacement gilts, animals with strong body alignment and even weight distribution should be prioritized.
Respiratory disease prevention also featured prominently, especially amid continued concerns about porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). New high-efficiency air filters from American Air Filters (AAF) are helping producers reduce the threat. A University of Minnesota study found that barns using these filters experienced 50–60% fewer PRRS outbreaks. In high-density swine areas, the filters can significantly lower infection risks.
Outfitting a 5,000-head farm with AAF’s system—including structural additions to hold the filters—costs about $500,000. Filters last four to six years. Though the investment is sizable, AAF’s global director of animal science Carlos Lora emphasized its importance, calling filtration “an almost must-have” for staying competitive in today’s pork industry.
Feed safety was another major topic. Feed ingredients can carry viruses that threaten herd health. Furst-McNess introduced FeedARMOR, a new feed additive designed to reduce the risk of viral transmission. The product does not contain formaldehyde and has shown effectiveness against PRRS, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, and Seneca Valley virus A.
“FeedARMOR only requires two pounds per ton of feed,” said Frederick Sandberg, the company’s director of research and development. “It’s very cost-effective—less than $5 per ton—which makes it more affordable than other options.” For best results, he recommends mixing the product with 15–25% of the feed ration before adding additional ingredients. It is now available nationwide.
As new tools and research emerge, the message from this year’s expo is clear: herd health is directly tied to productivity and profitability. Producers who invest in prevention strategies today may be better positioned for long-term success.
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