This week the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE)  launched the National Swine Reproduction Guide, a web-based application offering easily accessible information to hog producers. This troubleshooting and management guide, built in a user-friendly and intuitive format, contains extensive information and support contained in more than 1,000 fact sheets and references.

"This guide is designed to help producers identify the source of the reproductive problem they are experiencing and, through research-based fields, provide information directly related to that problem," said Chris Hostetler, animal science director at the National Pork Board.

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The National Swine Reproduction Guide is only available as a web application and is easily accessed through personal computers, smart phones and tablets. 

The guide uses a reproductive decision tree specifically designed in an easy-to-use format that utilizes simple navigation. The decision tree begins with three categories: gilts, sows and boars (semen). After selecting a category, a list of potential issues are available from which to choose, such as "low farrowing rate" or "too small of a gilt pool." Once the topic is selected, the decision tree uses a series of questions to help narrow the search on the issue. After choosing the question that best fits the original problem, an answer is provided in the form of a fact sheet with viewable references.

Visit the USPCE website to purchase an annual license that enables use of the guide at http://www.usporkcenter.org/Store/Store.aspx. 

Established in 2005, the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence is a collaborative public/private partnership providing academic expertise in research, teaching and extension to address the complex issues facing the pork industry. The center is located in the offices of the National Pork Board in Des Moines, IA. USPCE partners include governmental agencies, national pork industry associations, 17 state pork producer associations and 24 land-grant universities.