Swine Group News & Outreach

Comprising of an integrated network of practicing faculty with expertise spanning swine medicine, reproduction, sustainability, welfare, behavior, and disease management, Penn Vet’s Swine Group frequently provides science-backed insights here in Pennsylvania and across the globe.

Through the group's applied research and outreach services, our experts provide practical solutuons for many challenges facing today's swine industry, including: improving hog health and welfare; advancing sustainable, economical models for swine production; developing strategies to mitigate reproductive challenges within herds; and forging technological tools towards disease control and improved biosecurity practices.

In the Media

What China's pork apocalypse means for America

The Hill — Wednesday, Nov 6, 2019
Perhaps more than any other commodity, pork shows that the costs of the US-China trade war are as much political and environmental as they are economic.
Using Geospatial Mapping to Track Livestock Diseases

Successful Farming — Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019
Penn Vet researchers are using geospatial information systems to pinpoint current and emerging swine and poultry disease hotspots to control potentially devastating diseases.
Electronic sow feeding shows promise, despite challenges

National Hog Farmer — Monday, Oct 28, 2019
Dr. Tom Parsons talks about pioneering, implementing electronic sow feeding (ESF) systems for improved production and wellness.
Novel people movement management technology helps reduce swine disease transmission

Feedstuffs — Thursday, Jun 7, 2018
Dr. Thomas Parsons comments on the importance of managing the movement of people on-farm for a successful biosecurity program.

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Penn Vet News Stories

Regenerative Ag Alliance promotes stream health through agroforestry

After meticulous planning, the Alliance planted an initial 250 trees at New Bolton Center with assistance from enthusiastic volunteers and students from Penn Vet and Weitzman. The project aims to enhance water quality in local streams and develop a replicable agroforestry model for the region. Next steps include planting additional areas of shrubs and trees, allowing native plants and grazing livestock to coexist on the same land, creating exciting opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty.

Tom Parsons speaking to another faculty member

Cross-disciplinary collaboration for a healthier planet

The Environmental Innovations Initiative announces a third round of funded research communities to catalyze interdisciplinary research at Penn, investigating issues from regenerative agriculture to project-based learning for global climate justice.

Center for Stewardship Agriculture and Food Security header

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Launches New Center for Stewardship Agriculture and Food Security

Drawing on multi-disciplinary expertise, the Center seeks to improve animal agriculture while mitigating climate and ecological impacts.

Supporting agriculture and a safe food supply

Caring for a cow with uterine prolapse is not a task that a veterinarian can accomplish alone. The physicality and teamwork it demands makes it nearly impossible to sustain the social distancing prescribed to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Yet for Billy Smith and his fellow veterinarians that make up the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Field Service team, these kinds of encounters must continue, even amid a pandemic.

Three faculty appointed to endowed professorships

Three Faculty from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Appointed to Endowed Professorships

Thomas D. Parsons, Christopher J. Lengner and Amy L. Johnson have been recognized for scholarly achievements.

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