The Power of knowledge

Benchmark Magazine Article Archive

Benchmark Magazine is published each spring to highlight the annual results of PigCHAMP's Benchmarking program, and to feature news, commentary and articles of interest written by pork industry experts.

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2026

A Benchmark Welcome

A Benchmark Welcome
We are proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Benchmark magazine. As always, this issue is centered on what matters most— data.

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2026

Protein Efficiency: The Next Frontier in Feed Efficiency

Over the past six decades, continuous genetic improvements have dramatically enhanced overall feed efficiency.

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2026

Fiber and Stimbiotics Boost Farrowing Performance in Modern Sows

A recent study was conducted at a commercial farm to determine the impact of fiber and stimbiotic supplementation from late gestation through lactation in the farrowing performance, litter outcomes, and pig viability.

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2026

A Novel Way to Measure Modern Sow Efficiency

The modern sow is capable of raising larger, heavier litters than ever before, placing greater demands on lactation performance.

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2026

The Silent Thief

The progression of PEN is a predictable but dangerous process. Understanding this cycle is critical for identifying where “silent” money is being lost.

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2026

Understanding Postpartum Dysgalactia in Sows

Sow longevity is a crucial factor in the contribution towards efficiency and profitability of commercial swine operations, as the reproducing females represent the most valuable animals in the herd.

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2026

Synchronizing Sows to Strengthen Throughput

One of the factors for success in the nursery-finish phase is the consistent supply of healthy pigs that are similar in body weight and age.

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2025

A Benchmark Welcome

A Benchmark Welcome
While there have been many hurdles to overcome this past year, we know that those who have remained steadfast in the industry are Set for Success.

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2025

Factors Associated with Sow Efficiency

While producers rely on reports for sow records, task management, and performance summaries, many overlook a critical opportunity: harnessing advanced analytics to maximize reproductive efficiency, profitability, and sow longevity.

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2025

Towards Automated Detection of Osteochondrosis From CT Images

Osteochondrosis is a disease that is a major cause of lameness in pigs. Currently, osteochondrosis is scored by trained technicians based on visual observation of CT images.

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2025

Recent Findings on the Use of Acidifiers for Nursery Pigs

A high stomach pH is concerning because it can lead to a myriad of issues, ranging from poor nutrient digestibility to increased pathogen proliferation, diarrhea, and mortality. Considering all the other stressors involved during the weaning period, it’s the last thing a piglet needs.

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2025

Choline - An Essential Nutrient With New Perspectives

Natural choline sources occur at meaningful levels in most feed ingredients; which is the main reason why choline is not considered to be a vitamin in the classic sense.

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2025

Addressing Barn Management Challenges with Ventilation Technology

From disease prevention to meeting compliance with animal confinement regulations, the latest set of challenges certainly continues the tradition of having serious repercussions on the industry.

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2025

USA and Canada 2024 Year Summary

Total number of farms = 174

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2025

Uncovering the Connection

To reach peak performance productivity, animals need a constant supply of feed. But when that flow of feed is interrupted, it can lead to growth delays, increased mortality, and other health issues - all of which impact feed conversion ratios (FCR).

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2024

A Benchmark Welcome

A Benchmark Welcome

These are turbulent times for pork producers. Because of that, in addition to benchmarking data, this year our theme for Benchmark magazine is “Building Blocks for the Long Haul, Bringing Longevity to the Farm.”


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2024

Potential “Benchmarks” For Sow Longevity

High replacement rates for gilts and young sows have skewed current parity distributions on many farms towards younger females that haven’t reached their peak productivity.


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