Podcast: Early respiratory disease detection in pigs

As a key account veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim’s swine team, Sponheim’s role is field-based working directly with customers. In addition to her full-time role, she is also a PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine researching diagnostic approaches that may improve the detection of M. Hyo in swine in both high and low prevalence scenarios.

Sound-based precision livestock farming tool

Precision livestock farming is simply using technology to continuously monitor animals, says Sponheim, adding that this achieves meaningful and valuable data.

SoundTalks, which have been used over the past 5 years on a research basis, is an audio-based technology whereby devices are hung from the ceiling of a swine barn and continuously record the sounds in the facilities. Through an LED warning system, these devices will identify and quantify respiratory problems in pigs. Each device has a light that will shine green (good), yellow (pay attention) or red (a respiratory event).

Weaner-finish study

Sponheim shared the details and outcomes of an interesting 90-day study conducted by Boehringer Ingelheim, the results of which were released earlier this year. The study, which took place in a weaner-finish 2,400-head barn, focused on evaluating the performance and economic differences resulting from an earlier intervention of a respiratory disease episode that was prompted by SoundTalks.