Urine-sampling options make it easier to evaluate gilt and sow health.

This is how urine-sampling options make it easier to evaluate gilt and sow health. Urine samples are an effective but underutilized diagnostic tool for evaluating the nutritional, physiological and health status of gilts and sows. The challenge is how to collect quality urine samples efficiently and reliably on the farm. The free-catch option, where a person collects a free-flow urine sample from the animal, is challenging and time consuming. These are other methods of urine collection proposed for speed and accuracy and the catch there is the means of collection did not alter values of calcium, phosphorus and creatinine. 1) The tampon technique : a super-sized, unscented tampon with a plastic applicator and umbrella absorbency was used. Once inserted into the gilt’s or sow’s vestibule, the exterior string was secured to the outside of the animal with waterproof tape. Following urination, the tampon was transferred to a urine cup. 2) The Whirl Pak® technique: a 24-ounce bag positioned around the vulva was used and secured with elastic tape. Following urination, the bag was removed and the sample was transferred to a urine cup. The urine samples were analysed including the samples from the free catch and it was observed that there was no significant difference between the results for the calcium, phosphorus and creatinine ratios between the three sampling methods. The samples were also analysed for blood, bilirubin, urobilinogen, ketones, protein, nitrite, glucose, leukocytes and ascorbic acid, as well as pH, specific gravity and sediment and there was no significant difference.