Dr. Lee Johnston: Fetal Programming in Swine | Ep. 200

Dr. Lee Johnston: Fetal Programming in Swine | Ep. 200

Author: Wisenetix December 4, 2025 Duration: 14:20
In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Lee Johnston from the University of Minnesota, discusses how nutrition during gestation influences fetal programming and lifetime pig performance. He explains the link between birth weight, survival, and productivity, and highlights research on zinc supplementation in sows. Learn how early nutrition decisions can impact herd efficiency and sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms! "If gilts are less than one kilo at birth, they're going to have compromised lifetime reproductive performance." Meet the guest: Dr. Lee Johnston https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-johnston-06760013/ is a Professor of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, where he has led swine nutrition research for over 35 years. His work has focused on understanding how nutrition during gestation affects pig performance, survival, and sow longevity. His studies on zinc supplementation offer practical strategies for improving herd outcomes. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+nutrition+blackbelt+podcast What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:43) Introduction (01:33) Fetal programming defined (04:16) Birth weight effects (06:23) Reproductive impact (07:59) Role of zinc (11:19) Environmental concerns (13:50) Closing thoughts The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: * Fortiva (https://fortivaimpact.com) - Kemin (https://www.kemin.com/na/en-us/markets/animal/swine) - Keys Manufacturing (https://www.keysmanufacturing.com/) - Essential Ag Solutions (https://essentialag.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://swinenutritionblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swinecampus/

For swine nutritionists, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, and finding truly actionable insights is a constant challenge. The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, presented by Wisenetix, cuts through the noise by delivering concentrated wisdom from leading global experts. Each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, offering a focused, nine-minute dive into a specific topic that's actually working in the field today. You'll hear directly from researchers and practitioners at the forefront of the industry, discussing practical applications, emerging research, and nutritional strategies without the fluff. This isn't about theoretical deep dives; it's about what you can apply right now. The conversations are candid and geared toward professionals who need to stay current but are pressed for time. Tuning into this science-focused podcast means gaining a regular dose of peer-level insight, transforming a short commute or break into a genuine professional development session. It’s built for those who believe expertise should be accessible and efficient, providing a consistent stream of knowledge to help refine your approach and decision-making in swine nutrition.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Felipe Hickmann: Phytase and Swine Sustainability | Ep. 210 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:07
In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Felipe Hickmann, animal scientist and PhD researcher from Université Laval, Canada, and UFRGS, in Brazil, explains how phytase supplementation influences envi…
Dr. Anja Strathe: Sow Feeding & Nutrition - Part 2 | Ep. 209 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:09
In this special episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we bring you the second part of our crossover conversation with The Swine it Podcast Show Canada. Co-host Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra continues the discussion with…
Dr. Anja Strathe: Sow Feeding & Nutrition - Part 1 | Ep. 207 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:33
In this special episode of the Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we bring you a crossover with The Swine it Podcast Show Canada. Co-host Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra sits down with Dr. Anja Strathe from the University of Copenhag…
Dr. Chad Hastad: Mycotoxin and Endotoxin Control | Ep. 206 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:54
In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Chad Hastad from New Fashion Pork explains how mycotoxins and endotoxins influence enteric stability and post-weaning performance. He outlines key risk points…
Dr. Charlotte Lauridsen: Nutritional Immunology in Pigs | Ep. 204 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:13
In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Charlotte Lauridsen from Aarhus University explains how oxidative stress and inflammation affect pig health and productivity. She discusses how immune activit…
Dr. Chris Hostetler: Nutrient Utilization Consortium | Ep. 203 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:49
In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Chris Hostetler, Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board, discusses the work of the Nutrient Utilization Consortium and its impact on the swine…
Dr. Taw Scaff: Boar Nutrition Strategies | Ep. 202 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:35
In this special rerun episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Taw Scaff from North Dakota State University discusses the importance of boar nutrition and its direct link to sperm quality and fertility. He e…
Dr. Ashley DeDecker: Health Compliance in Swine | Ep. 201 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:36
In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ashley DeDecker from Smithfield Foods discusses the economic and health importance of vaccine compliance in swine production. She explains how proper vaccine…