Swine

What breeds of pigs does the center use/breed?

Lg White, Landrace, WMS (WI Mini Swine), and Duroc

What are the characteristics of each breed?

Lg White & Landrace (good mom's, Lg. litters), Duroc (meat), WMS (friendly, good for research)

What is the gestation period of pigs?

3 mo. 3 wk. 3 days

When are piglets weaned?

28-30 days

How long after weaning does the sow begin to cycle again?

3-7 days

How does the center determine the appropriateness of the room's ambient temperature, humidity, crowding and noise by animal's behavior, (what do they watch for)?

tacking (temperature), panting (no sweat glands/need H2O misters)

How many cc's on average do they use when inseminating a sow?

60 mL

What is involved on the first day in processing a piglet?

Remove needle teeth, dock tail, ear notch, iron injection, admin. meloxicam

Why are these procedures done?

To prevent injury to other swine & human staff

How are the pigs ID'd, temporary and permanent?

Temp. = Paint Stick Perm.= Ear Notch

What type of enclosure and care is different for a breeding, (agriculture) pig vs a biomedical, (research), pig

Research: Group housing or Gestation Pen

How many piglets on average are in a litter?

12 - 15 piglets (White or Landrace), 2 -5 WMS

Why does the center use the sprinkling system year-round, (not just in high heat), and what is the strategy?

Avoid heat stress through evaporative cooling

Describe some of the changes the center made in the export room, (hint: Temple Grandin).

Rounding corners, more gates (with panels vs. iron bars)

What are some methods for moving and sorting pigs?

Use of pig boards & rattle paddles

Where do we collect blood from a pig?

Jugular (blind attempt) or ear vein

How is jugular blood draw attempting different for young pigs vs the adult ones?

Young pigs = trough Adult pigs = snare --- deep thoracic inlet, aim towards opposite shoulder

How does the center determine if a sow is pregnant?

Verify with ultrasound

At what day after insemination?

Early = 21 days Late = 30 days

Why did we have to shower to enter the facility but not when leaving, (by choice?).

Shower in... to protect pigs in the facility (bacteria/virus/fungus from humans). Showering out is not mandatory b/c the swine facility is considered "clean" --- meaning disease free.

What is PRRS?

Porcine Respiratory Reproductive Syndrome (Virus) - Symptoms = Fatigue, Lethargy, Fever, Decreased appetite, Inability to carry piglets full-term, Sow mortality. VACCINE AVAILABLE