production dz pigs

What is required to legally keep pigs according to regulations?

Register with APHA as a pig keeper, require a license for any movement of pigs, require a walking license from APHA, and identify pigs with ear tags or shoulder tattoos.

What are the risks of feeding waste-meat products to pigs?

Feeding waste-meat products is prohibited to prevent the introduction of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Classical Swine Fever (CSF).

At what age should pigs be castrated?

Castration should occur at 10 days of age with analgesia required, or surgical castration can be performed at 4-6 months.

What is the purpose of teeth clipping in pigs?

Teeth clipping is allowed only if done before 7 days of age to reduce the size of the corner teeth.

What practices are not allowed in pig husbandry?

Nose rings (as they interfere with natural rooting behaviors) and tail docking unless there is evidence of injury to the tail by biting.

What are the housing requirements for pigs?

Pigs should have enough space to turn around, stand up, lie down and rest, and be able to see other pigs, along with available enrichment materials.

What vaccinations should all pigs receive?

Pigs should receive an initial course of two injections for Erysipelas, along with a booster at 6 months.

Why should breeding gilts and sows be vaccinated against parvovirus?

Vaccination against parvovirus is necessary before the first breeding of gilts to prevent small litters and mummified piglets.

What vaccination is recommended for pregnant gilts/sows before farrowing?

Pregnant gilts/sows should be vaccinated against E. coli three weeks before farrowing to protect against piglet enteritis.

How often should pigs be wormed and with what medications?

Pigs should be wormed every 4-6 months with benzimidazoles or avermectin, particularly if mange coverage is needed.

What can cause a pig to fail to eat?

High temperature, disliking the food offered, having eaten too much, or insufficient water provided.

What are the consequences of overweight pigs?

Overweight pigs can suffer from sores on pressure points, self-inflicted scratches and skin fold infections, and arthritis.

What is considered an ideal Body Condition Score (BCS) for pigs under 8 years?

The ideal Body Condition Score for pigs under 8 years is between 2 and 2.5.

What can lead to underweight pigs?

Poor conditions, an incorrect diet, or not consuming enough feed (should eat 1% of their body weight per day) can lead to underweight pigs.

What are the consequences of underweight pigs?

Underweight pigs may experience liver and kidney damage.

What is the use of Ketamine in pig sedation?

Ketamine is used for sedation in pigs, often in combination with butorphanol or xylazine/detomidine, administered intramuscularly.

Where is the preferred site for IM injections in pigs?

The base of the ear is the preferred site for intramuscular injections.

What is the marginal ear vein used for?

The marginal ear vein is used for intravenous access.

What is Meloxicam used for in pigs?

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief.

Which antibiotics are used for infectious causes of lameness in pigs?

Lincomycin is used for infectious causes of lameness in pigs.

What antibiotic is used to treat leptospirosis in pigs?

Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat leptospirosis in pigs.

Which antibiotics are used for respiratory diseases in pigs?

Penicillin and amoxicillin are used to treat respiratory diseases in pigs.

What are the causes of ill thrift in piglets?

Causes include incorrect/inadequate feed, iron deficiency anemia, endoparasitism, chronic enteric/respiratory disease, PCV-2 associated disease, and PRRS.

What symptoms indicate iron deficiency anemia in piglets?

Symptoms include paleness and increased heart rate/respiratory rate (HR/RR).

When should pigs be vaccinated with benzimidazoles for worming?

Pigs should be wormed with benzimidazoles every 4-6 months.

What is the purpose of vaccinations for piglets against E. coli?

Vaccinations against E. coli are aimed at preventing enteritis in piglets.

What is a common condition that leads to chronic diseases as a cause of ill thrift in piglets?

Endoparasitism can lead to chronic conditions contributing to ill thrift in piglets.