The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast

Dr. Mark Estienne: Air Quality Drives Pig Performance | Ep. 202

March 25, 2026·12 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this episode of The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Mark Estienne, Professor and swine research physiologist at Virginia Tech, explains how a novel nitrogen management system improves barn air quality by reducing ammonia emissions. Lower ammonia levels enhanced nursery pig growth, feed intake, and early post-weaning performance, while supporting respiratory health and worker conditions. Listen now on all major platforms! "Rooms using the treated system averaged about two parts per million ammonia compared with approximately six parts per million in control conditions." Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Estienne earned his degrees in Animal Science from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He is currently Professor and swine research physiologist at Virginia Tech’s Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center. His research focuses on management and nutrition strategies to improve sow reproduction and nursery pig performance. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+swine+health+blackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:55) Introduction (01:52) Nitrogen system overview (04:45) Ammonia reduction results (06:10) Growth performance data (07:11) Post-weaning impact (08:14) Respiratory indicators (11:33) Final Questions The Swine Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Pancopia™ (https://www.pancopia.com/) * Boehringer Ingelheim (https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/) - Ralco (https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/) 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://swinehealthblackbelt.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinecampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80692493

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