BioSec Bob here Wednesday, October 21, 2026—let’s get right into it.
Starting on the swine side, Pork Business is reporting that the first 72 hours after piglets arrive in a nursery are critical to their entire performance trajectory. What happens in those early days—pen setup, feed transitions, water access, temperature control—determines whether a group thrives or struggles throughout its time on farm. Producers managing that window carefully see measurably better feed conversion and growth rates down the line.
Over in poultry, WATTPoultry.com is covering how immunosuppression directly damages bird performance and cuts into profit margins. When flocks face immune challenges—whether from disease pressure, poor environmental conditions, or nutritional gaps—they convert feed less efficiently, grow slower, and end up with higher condemnation rates at processing. The economic hit compounds across the whole flock lifespan.
Turning back to hogs, National Hog Farmer is reporting on standardized PRRS language and communication protocols across the industry. With PRRS hitting herds across multiple regions, producers and veterinarians are working to use consistent terminology when describing virus status, vaccination strategy, and herd classification. That alignment helps reduce confusion when moving genetics or troubleshooting outbreaks.
On the regulatory front, Canada has extended its higher zinc limit allowance for piglet starter feed. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is permitting zinc levels above previously standard thresholds in early nursery rations, giving producers more flexibility in mineral fortification strategies for newly weaned pigs.
Also in swine management, Pork Business highlights the overlooked window of aggression control in group-housed sows before farrowing. Mixing dynamics and pen stress in the weeks leading up to farrowing directly affect sow welfare and piglet survival rates. Producers paying closer attention to sow grouping and space allocation during this period see fewer injuries and better subsequent milk production.
Finally, the FSIS announced a nationwide recall of nearly 1.6 million pounds of meat and poultry products this week. The recall spans beef, pork, and poultry across multiple processors and facilities. Producers should verify whether their facilities or products are affected and follow guidance from the agency directly.
Keep your quality checks sharp this week.