U of S Launches CD-ROM on pig production

Posted November 08, 2000


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? October 25, 2000 2000-10-19-AG

Problem-solving pigs: U of S launches CD-ROM on pig production

SASKATOON, October 25, 2000 ? Pig producers, consultants and veterinarians
now have a valuable new resource in the form of an interactive CD-ROM guide
to pig production.

The CD-ROM, called Reproductive management of pigs: guides and problem
solving, had its official Canadian launch today.

U of S animal scientist Phil Thacker, who specializes in swine nutrition and
reproduction, was part of an international panel of experts who contributed
to the project. Thacker says, "The idea behind the CD-ROM was to provide a
practical, producer-focused tool for troubleshooting common swine production
issues and for more broad-based, long-term strategies. Essentially, the CD
takes the approach of interpreting all known information about swine
management and packaging it into one, easily accessible source."

The CD-ROM is the first of its kind for pig producers. It offers a
comprehensive management aid grounded both in scientific research and
practical experience in a user-friendly format that makes use of video
clips, photographs and diagrams. There are over 1400 screens of information
including 400 tables of data showing the scientific basis for many of the
recommendations made.

The CD is divided into two main parts, a "Guides Area" and a "Problem
Solving Area."

The "Guides to Breeding Herd Management" section provides in-depth coverage
of the management of each stage of the life of the sow and boar.

To solve specific problems, users can enter the "Problem Solving Area" which
uses a decision-tree (where current performance is compared with target
figures) in order to identify herd reproductive problems. Lists of likely
causes and solutions are then provided.

The CD has already been enthusiastically received internationally.

In addition to the U of S contribution, the authoring team included eminent
pig reproduction scientists from Australia, Great Britain, The Netherlands
and the USA.

For more information, visit www.susmultimedia.com or contact:

Dr. Phil Thacker
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4159
phil.thacker@usask.ca