The use of feed grade amino acids can reduce the cost of lactation feed. With changing genetics, increasing feed costs, and higher number of pigs weaned with heavier wean weights further evaluation of higher inclusion levels of feed-grade amino acid in lactation diets than previously published is warranted. Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to determine the optimal inclusion level of L-lysine HCl to be included in swine lactation diets while digestible lysine levels remain constant across dietary treatments and allowing feed grade amino acids to be added to the diet to maintain dietary ratios relative to lysine to maximize litter growth rate and sow reproductive performance. Furthermore, the studies were to evaluate minimal amino acid ratios relative to lysine that allows for optimal litter growth rate and sow reproductive performance. Exp. 1: Increasing L-lysine HCl resulted in similar gilt feed intake, litter, and reproductive performance. Average litter gain from birth to weaning was 2.51, 2.49, 2.59, 2.43, and 2.65 kg/d when gilts were fed 0.00, 0.075, 0.150, 0.225, and 0.30% L-lysine HCl, respectively. Exp. 2: The average litter gain from birth to weaning was 2.68, 2.73, 2.67, 2.70, and 2.64 kg/d (P < 0.70) when sows were fed 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.4% L-lysine HCl plus valine, respectively. No other differences among dietary treatments were observed. Collectively, these studies demonstrate corn-soybean meal based lactation diets formulated with a constant SID lysine content for all parities containing up to 0.40% L-lysine HCl with only supplemental feed grade threonine and a methionine source have no detrimental effect on litter growth rate and subsequent total born.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, and the use of antibiotics in livestock, including swine production, is a major contributor. Vaccines offer a promising alternative for controlling bacterial infections in pigs, but their widespread use is often hindered by biological, economic, and practical challenges. This study surveyed U.S. swine veterinarians to identify which bacterial diseases require better vaccines and to understand the barriers to their adoption. Nineteen veterinarians with an average of 24.7 years of experience were surveyed across 21 states. The results identified Streptococcus suis, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and Glaesserella parasuis as the most critical pathogens needing improved vaccines. Veterinarians anticipated significant improvements in vaccine efficacy for S. suis and E. coli during the nursery stage and expressed a willingness to pay 1.8 and 1.9 times their current prices, respectively. While expectations for M. hyo vaccine improvements were not significant, veterinarians expressed the highest willingness to pay (4.2 times the current price), citing the potential for disease eradication. This research highlights that developing effective vaccines for S. suis and E. coli should be the most urgent priority due to their significant economic impact and rising AMR concerns. However, M. hyo vaccine development holds the most economic potential due to the possibility of eradication. Our research provides a roadmap for future efforts to combat AMR in the swine industry, emphasizing key economic, policy, and educational considerations for successful vaccine implementation.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, and the use of antibiotics in livestock, including swine production, is a major contributor. Vaccines offer a promising alternative for controlling bacterial infections in pigs, but their widespread use is often hindered by biological, economic, and practical challenges. This study surveyed U.S. swine veterinarians to identify which bacterial diseases re-quire better vaccines and to understand the barriers to their adoption. Nineteen vet-erinarians with an average of 24.7 years of experience were surveyed across 21 states. The results identified Streptococcus suis, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and Glaesserella parasuis as the most critical pathogens needing improved vaccines. Veter-inarians anticipated significant improvements in vaccine efficacy for S. suis and E. coli during the nursery stage and expressed a willingness to pay 1.8 and 1.9 times their current prices, respectively. While expectations for M. hyo vaccine improvements were not significant, veterinarians expressed the highest willingness to pay (4.2 times the current price), citing the potential for disease eradication. This research highlights that developing effective vaccines for S. suis and E. coli should be the most urgent priority due to their significant economic impact and rising AMR concerns. However, M. hyo vaccine development holds the most economic potential due to the possibility of erad-ication. Our research provides a roadmap for future efforts to combat AMR in the swine industry, emphasizing key economic, policy, and educational considerations for successful vaccine implementation.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing concern in food animal production. In swine herds, viral infections often lead to secondary bacterial disease and higher antimicrobial use (AMU). This study describes how U.S. swine veterinarians view the role of viral vaccines in reducing this reliance on antimicrobials. We conducted a national survey of swine practitioners and follow-up semi-structured interviews with a subset of respondents. Across participants, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), swine influenza (SIV), and rotaviral enteritis were most often named as viral diseases in urgent need of improved vaccines. These diseases cause substantial economic losses and frequently trigger AMU in commercial herds. Veterinarians reported several recurring challenges with current vaccines, including limited cross-protection against field strains, interference from maternally derived antibodies, and short duration of protection. Despite these limitations, most respondents supported vaccination as a key tool to curb AMU and indicated they would accept higher prices for clearly improved products. These findings reveal both a clear need and specific opportunities for future vaccine development to provide broader and more reliable protection, reduce AMU, and help slow the development of AMR.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat driven by the overuse of antibiotics, especially in livestock. In the swine industry, viral diseases often lead to secondary bacterial infections, which increases the need for widespread antimicrobial use (AMU). This study explores the views of U.S. swine veterinarians on using viral vaccines as a way to reduce reliance on antimicrobials. Through a combination of surveys and interviews, our findings found an urgent need for better vaccines for por-cine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, swine influenza, and rotaviral enteritis. These swine diseases cause major economic losses and are a primary reason for AMU. Veterinarians identified several challenges with existing vaccines, including poor cross-protection against different strains, safety concerns, and issues with cost and availability. Despite these limitations, the study found that veterinarians are willing to invest more in improved vaccines, highlighting a strong demand for more effective tools to reduce antimicrobial use. This research identifies key opportunities for future vaccine development and veterinary strategies to create more effective approaches that protect both animal and public health.