How to reduce sow culling due to lameness.

How to reduce sow culling due to lameness.Lameness is a growing problem on swine farms with sows being culled from the herd in the most severe cases. The causes of lameness can be reduced and eliminated by following these simple tips. Lameness and hoof quality issues are becoming an increasingly common problem on a greater number of swine farms, leading to more culling of sows. Health problems associated with limb injuries are most common in bedding-free systems where uneven, wet and slippery floors increase the risk of both limb injuries and infections.#sows Lameness reflects pain of an injury . For example, incorrect slat widths in slatted floors can cause inflammation if hooves get stuck between them, resulting in abrasions or injuries. Analysis of hoof and limb condition in the sow herd, and the level of sow culling due to hoof and limb issues, provides us with important feedback on the correct husbandry and management of a herd, which directly impacts production efficiency. #sow How to reduce sow culling due to lameness.

Common diseases encountered in the breeding stock of pigs.

Common diseases encountered in the breeding stock of pigs. In order for pig producers to be successful, keeping their animals healthy is key. It is essential to know about diseases that may occur in the herd and all staff working with the pigs should be able to spot the symptoms of common diseases and alert the manager or veterinarian, as appropriate. Treating pigs quickly with suitable medication is the next step as prevention is obviously better than cure. There is a need to have a herd health plan will help to minimize disease incidence. #breeding #pigs. In terms of disease prevention, re-occurring themes include hygiene, ventilation and reducing stress. Pig producers need to provide an environment that is optimal for the animal and inhospitable for disease-causing agents. As well as reducing infection pressure, immunity must be promoted by measures such as optimal nutrition and good husbandry. Maintaining good biosecurity through every part of the production cycle will go a long way to preventing disease outbreaks. Managers should also ensure that breeding stock are purchased from high health status herds and suitably quarantined before introduction. #breeding stock Common diseases encountered in the breeding stock of pigs. 1) Mastitis Reduced milk production, loss of appetite and a higher body temperature are symptoms of mastitis in sows. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the mammary glands, where skin discoloration can be seen. Antibiotics, along with anti-inflammatory drugs are effective treatments. Oxytocin may be used to encourage let down of milk and corticosteroids can be prescribed. Hygiene in farrowing housing is important, along with nutrition during late pregnancy to promote immunity. Stress can also be a factor, and it is important to make sure that teats are not being damaged by sow housing facilities. This disease has a significant effect on productivity because of the potential effect of reducing the number of piglets weaned by sows. 2). Porcine parvovirus If pregnant sows become infected with parvovirus (PPV), reproductive disease can occur, but not in all cases. If it does, most commonly in gilts, reproductive performance is significantly affected. Mummification and stillbirths occur, resulting in small litter sizes. Other reproductive diseases have the same symptoms so accurate diagnosis is essential. Unusually, the virus can survive outside the host for several months, making it endemic in most herds. Although it is only during pregnancy that PPV is a problem, other pigs can spread the virus. There are no treatments available; in order to prevent this disease routine vaccination of gilts is advisable.

The most common pig diseases during pre and post weaning stages.

The most common pig diseases during pre and post weaning stages. In order for pig producers to be successful, keeping their animals healthy is key. It is essential to know about diseases that may occur in the herd and all staff working with the pigs should be able to spot the symptoms of common diseases and alert the manager or veterinarian, as appropriate. Treating pigs quickly with suitable medication is the next step as prevention is obviously better than cure. There is a need to have a herd health plan will help to minimize disease incidence. In the pre-weaning period these are the common diseases; 1. Exudative dermatitis (greasy pig). The symptoms of this disease are skin lesions, caused by an infection of the bacteria Staphylococcus hyicus. In severe cases, mortality can occur, as the bacteria damage the liver and kidneys. Lesions first present as dark areas of skin, which spread and become flaky with a greasy feel. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection, along with skin protectants; autogenous vaccines have also been used with success. Improving hygiene in piglet housing is key to preventing this condition, along with teat dipping of sows pre- and post-farrowing. It is also important to reduce the potential for skin abrasions, as this is how the infection enters the body. Abrasions are caused by rough floors, jagged teeth, sharp equipment or even mange mites bites. 2. Coccidiosis. This disease is very common in suckling piglets and is caused by three types of the intracellular parasite coccidia. It causes diarrhea, which can be bloody, often between 10 and 21 days of age and up to 15 weeks of age. Acute cases are treated with fluid therapy and coccidiostats. Secondary infections can result from damage to the intestinal wall. Depending on the level of occurrence on the farm, preventative treatment of sows with coccidiostats may be appropriate. Hygiene should be improved to end the cycle of infection; sow feces are a major source, and flies can spread infection. Providing a warm, dry, clean creep area will help to reduce the parasite load and the likelihood of coccidial infection. In the post-weaning period these are common: 3. Respiratory diseases. Coughing, sneezing, abdominal breathing, reduced growth rates and potentially mortality are all signs of respiratory disease. Depending on the cause, antibiotics may be given in feed, water or as an injectable. Poor ventilation or environmental conditions can exacerbate respiratory conditions. For example, high levels of ammonia can damage the respiratory tract, making pigs more susceptible to infection. Infective agents include Streptococcus suis and Pasteurella. Vaccines are available for some forms of pneumonia, although the strain affecting a farm should be identified to ensure a successful outcome. Pleuropneumonia, caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, can result in significant mortality, and those that do recover have impaired growth rates and lung damage. Overcrowded and dusty housing are predisposing factors for respiratory disease, along with the presence of PRRS virus. 4. Swine dysentery. Animals with this disease suffer from diarrhea, with or without the presence of blood. It is caused by the bacteria Brachyspira hyodsenteriae. Growth rates of post-weaning pigs are reduced, and, in some cases, sudden death can occur. Antibiotics are used to treat the disease, either in feed, water or as an injectable. Reducing stocking density can be an effective way of reducing infection pressure and stress in the herd. As well as improving hygiene levels, rodent control is a high priority; rodents are a vector for this disease. The strategy for buying and introducing replacement stock should be reviewed, as this a major route of disease introduction. The most common pig diseases during pre and post weaning stages.

Commercial gruel feeding guide for piglets.

Gruel feeding is a management practice that targets the bottom 10 to 20 percent of small-for-age piglets in any weaning group, regardless of weaning age. Of course, the greater the weaning age, the fewer the pigs that require or rather benefit from gruel feeding. This is a typical five-day program for feeding gruel to fall-back pigs. The table provides an example of a commercial gruel feeding program. It is not the only schedule possible, but it is one that provides good results in most farms. Usually, gruel feeding is discontinued by the third day post-weaning, although in pens with sick pigs it might be extended to seven days or longer.

Commercial gruel feeding guide.

Gruel feeding guidelines for underprivileged piglets.

Gruel feeding guidelines for underprivileged piglets. Gruel feeding is a management practice that targets the bottom 10 to 20 percent of small-for-age piglets in any weaning group, regardless of weaning age. A feeding method recommended for underprivileged piglets that requires attention to details but pays dividends in speeding up the growth of small-for-age weaners. Of course, the greater the weaning age, the fewer the pigs that require or rather benefit from gruel feeding. In general, research and commercial experiences have indicated that gruel feeding offers four distinct advantages when done correctly: 1)Enhances ingestion of nutrients, especially during the early days post-weaning. 2) Allows a smoother transition to dry feed, especially when the feed is pelleted. 3)Prevents damage of the gut due to soybeans or prolonged starvation. 4) Promotes hydration, an extra and very significant benefit, particularly in sick piglets. The success of gruel feeding depends on high(er) standards of hygiene. It is usually a labor-intensive task and requires staff dedicated to assisting underprivileged piglets. Below is a 10-step guideline for efficient and practical gruel feeding. 1)Use large, open bowls or lock-down circular feeders. In general, the larger plastic feeders offer the best results as they allow communal feeding. 2)Place the gruel feeder near the feeder with the dry feed, avoiding pen corners, waterers, sleeping mats and heat lamps. 3)Place a small amount of dry feed in the normal feeders from the first day, even though piglets may appear to ignore it. Use the same formula/product as that used in mixing the gruel. 4)A strong flavor with a distinct aroma in the product used in mixing the gruel and in the dry feed is believed to help piglets associate dry feed with nourishment. 5)Offer gruel at least three times per day, starting with a mix of 1/4 dry feed and 3/4 water in a large bucket for all pigs or directly in each feeder. 6)Using warm water or liquid milk replacer may also be used to create a gruel. In fact, the latter is believed to promote even higher intake, but this might not be needed if the dry feed is already high in dairy products. 7) Feed enough gruel for pigs to clean up in a single feeding episode. If gruel is left uneaten, remove it, clean the feeders and reduce allowance in the following feeding. 8) Gradually thicken the gruel to 2/3 pellets or meal and 1/3 water. This will allow piglets to turn to dry feed easier and faster. 9) Gradually reduce the number of feedings per day and discontinue by day four or five after weaning. Again, this is done to convince piglets to convert to dry feed. The exact timing should be determined by the people who actually do the feeding because they can determine when each pen no longer requires gruel to thrive. 10) Make sure pigs have access to fresh water from day one from drinkers. For underprivileged piglets, a bowl-type drinker is believed to give better results, whereas some prefer to use nipple water drinkers that allow to dribble during the first day or so.Gruel feeding guidelines for underprivileged piglets.

How to nurture underweight piglets with special feed.

How to nurture underweight piglets with special feed.Feeding these special pigs requires much more than just using the most expensive feed available.Small-weight piglets require special treatment if they are to catch up with normal litter mates. Post weaning, this is achieved by using the right feed. Not only must the feed match the special needs of underweight pigs, but also its management must meet the reduced appetite for dry feed. Some producers take the approach that using the most expensive feed or feed ingredients will solve the problem.Unfortunately, this does not work as often as one might hope. Instead, a careful study of the pig production system is needed before a small-weight piglet feed is designed or selected. This, together with “special” management techniques should ultimately produce healthy, economically viable pigs. The challenges with these pigs are threefold. First, their feed intake is extremely low and as such, their diets must be very dense in nutrients and other functional components. Second, their digestive systems are even more immature compared to the rest of the piglets and so, very digestible ingredients are needed to make up their feeds. Third, their health, and especially their gut health, is very fragile and it needs protection and support. Traditionally, feed intake was enhanced by the addition of "tasty" ingredients and additives,CERELAC works perfectly.. These included dairy products, such as sweet whey, and of course, artificial flavors and aromas. Although such approaches are still valid, more effort is needed to entice smaller pigs to the feed trough. One such approach is through the feed form. A mash (meal) type of diet appears to be working best, especially if it is rather granular in form. This can be achieved by using crumbled pellets, a mix of meal and crumbles, or even a blend of meal and small pellets. When it comes to pellets, durability is not as important as hardness. Small piglets have trouble chewing hard pellets, so a softer pellet is very important in stimulating feed intake. Digestibility It has been known for a long time now that nutrient digestibility positively affects feed intake. In young, immature pigs, especially those with low feed intake, every mouthful of feed must count. Thus, ingredients with the highest digestibility are needed in such “special” formulas. These ingredients include the best quality sweet whey, low-temperature fish meal, cooked cereals (especially rice), coconut oil (in preference to other vegetable oils), and refined dairy and vegetable proteins with very low levels of anti-nutritional factors (such as pea protein, wheat gluten, soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, casein, etc.) How to nurture underweight piglets with special feed.

Piglets need water as much as they need feed.

Piglets need water as much as they need feed.Providing water to suckling and weaned piglets does not stop at having one water outlet per pen as these animals undergo significant digestive development during this period. Sow’s milk contains about 80 percent water, and therefore it is often assumed that suckling piglets cover their daily water requirements without supplemental water. As a result, on many farms, farrowing crates are not equipped with a water delivery system for piglets, and water is provided for the first time only after weaning. In such cases, it is quite common to observe piglets trying to reach the water devices installed for sows. Nevertheless, most experts agree that supplemental water actually benefits suckling piglets, and these benefits greatly outweigh the cost of providing water for piglets in farrowing crates. Dehydration during the first few days after birth is a common cause of death in newborn pigs, especially among light and weak piglets that fail to consume enough milk. It has been suggested that provision of drinking water may reduce pre-weaning mortality from dehydration, especially when environmental temperature is excessive. It should be noted that water loss (mainly from evaporation) in piglets housed under common heaters is about 155 g/day per kg body weight, and that piglets housed at 28 C (82.4 F) consume four times more water than piglets housed at 20 C (68 F). Therefore, when milk intake is limited or environmental temperature is excessive, a source of fresh drinking water should be provided to reduce dehydration and sustain life. Supplemental water may also be beneficial to suckling piglets suffering from diarrhea, which causes severe water loss from the gut. It is interesting to note that newborn pigs are able to drink water within the first 2 hours after birth, indicating a need for water in addition to that supplied by sow’s colostrum or milk. It is also essential to provide drinking water to suckling piglets that actively consume solid feed. It has been demonstrated that piglets with free access to water eat more creep feed than piglets without supplemental water (3,215 versus 2,166 g/pig, respectively). The importance of drinking water in supporting vigorous intake of dry feed increases with weaning age. In production systems practicing very early weaning, creep intake is rather trivial and, thus, the effect of water on feed intake is minimal. But, in production systems that wean pigs about 3 to 4 weeks of age, creep intake can be substantial, and supplemental drinking water must always be provided. Piglets need water as much as they need feed.