Search found 1608 matches

by Darin
Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:25 pm
Forum: AROUND THE INDUSTRY
Topic: Darin's Pig Pen
Replies: 22
Views: 22337

Darin's Pig Pen

I've started a new blog called Darin's Pig Pen. Here we will discuss swine industry issues ranging from commercial production to the show ring. I've been very fortunate in my nearly 50 years on this planet to be presented with so much opportunity and wonderful experiences in an industry for which I ...
by Darin
Sun Jun 04, 2017 9:56 am
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: Constipated sow
Replies: 5
Views: 5042

Re: Constipated sow

Epsom salts
by Darin
Fri May 26, 2017 11:38 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: Advice
Replies: 1
Views: 2209

Re: Advice

Did you mean 5 weeks? If it's 5 months, then you haven't bred her yet. If this is a gilt you're farrowing, have a good pig puller (whatever kind you're comfortable with), OB gloves, lube and oxytocin. Also some DRYGIENE to roll the piglets in and to coat the mat/floor with. Ear notchers, syringes, n...
by Darin
Sun May 21, 2017 8:17 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: How long before gilt's will begin to show ?
Replies: 16
Views: 20096

Re: How long before gilt's will begin to show ?

www.cerdosllc.com

We don't have ultrasounds on the website though. You can pm or email me anytime.
by Darin
Tue May 16, 2017 2:52 pm
Forum: BOARS
Topic: X-boars that throw berk color
Replies: 2
Views: 2992

Re: X-boars that throw berk color

Our Stohlquist-bred herdsire, Ante Up 72-10 has given us several berkshire-appearing pigs just using him on crossbred sows. I can't guarantee that will translate if you use him on a berk, but I've been surprised by the color-markings we get at times!

http://www.kuhlowgirls.com/x7210
by Darin
Sun May 14, 2017 3:45 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: How long before gilt's will begin to show ?
Replies: 16
Views: 20096

Re: How long before gilt's will begin to show ?

LzDy, I can't say that I've seen one that doesn't have a variable depth setting. Maybe if you work with the setting a bit you can resolve your issue? Otherwise, there are several good options in the market. Most are kind of pricey for a small showpig farm. The best ones are all digital and create a ...
by Darin
Thu Apr 27, 2017 4:49 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: In Heat while Nursing?
Replies: 1
Views: 2240

Re: In Heat while Nursing?

How many pigs is she nursing? It's not uncommon for sows nursing small litters to cycle during lactation, but typically it would happen after 3 weeks of lactation. At 11 days is very uncommon.
by Darin
Sun Apr 02, 2017 9:31 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: Raw boar semen
Replies: 2
Views: 3038

Re: Raw boar semen

Yes, if you use it right away you're fine. If you want to breed her again the next day, you'll either need to extend it or collect him again. Be careful about the kind of plastic bag and filter you use though. Some materials are highly toxic to sperm. Might consider buying actual collection bags wit...
by Darin
Tue Mar 14, 2017 10:54 pm
Forum: AROUND THE INDUSTRY
Topic: SWTC Broadcasting
Replies: 4
Views: 3537

Re: SWTC Broadcasting

I think they need to find a more affordable method of broadcasting these shows. Facebook live or something different perhaps. I suggested at the event that the auction should be broadcast on the web. Touchy subject with the NSR field reps, I could tell. Guessing I wasn't the only one to suggest that...
by Darin
Sun Feb 19, 2017 10:59 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: Cross to a york
Replies: 9
Views: 5802

Re: Cross to a york

Norm wrote:Website has this boar listed as a crossbred. Is he available to make registered litters?
Yes, he's a registered York. Class 4 winning Yorkshire from 2016 World Pork Expo. They must have made a mistake on the website.
by Darin
Mon Feb 06, 2017 11:30 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: Cross to a york
Replies: 9
Views: 5802

Re: Cross to a york

I'm sure Doug will comment on how Alamo fits into his program, but I'll add my two cents. I think Alamo is an excellent option for making showpig mommas. He's got the little extra frame size, a strong maternal background and still enough stoutness and showring style to make winners. He was a class-w...
by Darin
Mon Feb 06, 2017 11:19 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: To induce or wait it out
Replies: 8
Views: 6495

Re: To induce or wait it out

Whether you use lut or estrumate, I commonly recommend to clients to ensure that their gilts or even smaller sows farrow by day 116. There is little risk of low-viability pigs at day 116, and more risk of problem farrowings if you wait longer.
by Darin
Mon Feb 06, 2017 11:15 pm
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: Aborting litters
Replies: 11
Views: 6362

Re: Aborting litters

Sorry for your problems, that really sucks! Take HogDoc and Norm's advice and get the feed tested. Good luck!
by Darin
Fri Jan 06, 2017 9:18 am
Forum: AROUND THE INDUSTRY
Topic: Question 1/2 ton truck pulling a low profile trailer
Replies: 7
Views: 4665

Re: Question 1/2 ton truck pulling a low profile trailer

We pull an 18' (not low-profile) with 4,000lbs. of market hogs in it with our F150. Barely can tell it's back there. Even with your older truck, 8 showpigs is not much. You should be fine.
by Darin
Mon Dec 26, 2016 11:56 am
Forum: REPRODUCTION
Topic: Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates
Replies: 4
Views: 3635

Re: Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates

Use whichever is most convenient. Doesn't make a lot of difference. Don't forget the DRYGIENE though!

http://www.cerdosllc.com/drygiene/