Removal of the testicles (castration) is a prevalent procedure within the US swine industry. Because only a small percentage of swine are selected for mating, the vast majority of male piglets (boars) are destined for processing (meat production) and are castrated. Boars are castrated to limit behavioral issues during rearing, and to ensure appropriate meat quality, by avoiding “boar taint”. As the boars grow and mature, they may develop aggressive tendencies towards their pen mates, and attempt to mate with females in the pen. These behaviors could increase the risk of lameness and injury for both boars and their pen mates. Mature boars could also be aggressive towards farm staff. Surgical castration is the most common method of castration in the US. However, a relatively new option for producers is immunocastration, and some are transitioning to this. Here we discuss considerations for animal welfare, economics, and potential -future- alternatives.

In this publication, information is presented on how to increase farm productivity while potentially reducing greenhouse gas* (GHG) contributions from agricultural production. Some of the practices may be familiar to many producers, such as building soil organic matter (SOM) or increasing nitrogen fertilization efficiency, but many producers may not know that these same productivity-boosting activities also help to reduce GHG emissions and their impact on climate change. While informative to the producer, this publication will also inform those with an interest in both agriculture and the environmental impact of GHG emissions on the atmosphere.

Composting is a biological heating process that results in the natural degradation of Composting is a biological heating process that results in the natural degradation of organic resources (such as poultry carcasses) by microorganisms. Composting has been successfully used throughout the United States for nearly two decades to control outbreaks of avian influenza. Composting can be effective with most bird types and poultry house designs.organic resources (such as poultry carcasses) by microorganisms. Composting has been successfully used throughout the United States for nearly two decades to control outbreaks of avian influenza. Composting can be effective with most bird types and poultry house designs.