Autumnal Problems in Pig Herds
The change of season from summer to autumn, heralded by the changing colour of the leaves, shortening daylight hours and progressively cooler temperatures, can trigger specific issues for pig herds.
For the breeding herd, the most frequently discussed issue is that of seasonal/autumn infertility, whereas for the growing herd there may be an increase in ill health associated with day/ night temperature fluctuations e.g. Streptococcus suis.
Managing Pigs in Cold Weather
How pigs cope with cold weather conditions is dependent upon many factors such as age, body weight, stage of production and their accommodation.
As a general rule older, larger and more productive animals better tolerate lower temperatures whereas neonatal pigs are very vulnerable to chilling.
Vaccination and Medicines
Vaccination and medication are an integral part of pig production allowing pig owners to deliver high welfare and high health pigs whether in large scale production systems or as smaller scale producers.
It is important to understand why we vaccinate and medicate and how storage and administration of these medicines can affect their ability to work effectively.
Worming and Internal Pig Parasites
Whether you keep your pigs in an indoor system or they are kept in more extensive outdoor systems it is likely at some point your pigs will need worming.
The information below is to help you understand the risks to your pigs, and advise you on your options in protecting them against internal parasites.
Please speak to your vet regarding testing and realistic treatment options.
Mites and Lice Infestations
The key parasite to worry about in mange cases is the Sarcoptic mange mite – Sarcoptes scabei var suis.
These mites are very small and barely visible to the naked eye on a dark background. Mites can be found in skin scrapings taken from affected areas of the body and in ear wax and crust samples when viewed under a microscope.
Lameness in Pigs
Lameness is a condition that frequently results in pig keepers seeking veterinary advice.
Like many health issues associated with pigs there are many potential reasons why a pig or group of pigs become lame, caused by both infectious and non-infectious causes.
African Swine Fever
ASF is a notifiable pig disease that is currently not in the UK but especially prevalent across China, has occurred in Germany and is moving across Europe.
It doesn’t affect humans but due to the highly infectious nature, infected animals must be culled to prevent spread. Animals within a certain radius would also be culled and movement restrictions would be imposed. This can have huge implications for animal welfare and global trade.
Common Plant Toxicities in Pigs
The most reported plant toxicities for pigs are caused by bracken and hemlock, however other plants are known to be toxic.
It would be beyond the scope of this article to cover every potentially toxic plant, therefore the focus will be on the most common.
Water Medication in Pigs
Using the pigs’ water supply system can be a safe and effective method of delivering medicines including antibiotics, vaccines, anti-parasitics and anti-inflammatories.
Oral treatment of pigs via the water supply is now becoming the delivery route of choice in many situations. Some basic understanding of the potential methods, their limitations and applicability can be extremely helpful.
Managing Pigs in Hot Weather
Pigs of all ages can be affected by increased ambient temperatures.
When environmental temperature increases above that in which a pig can adequately regulate its body temperature then that pig begins to suffer with heat stress, the consequences of which can cause performance losses and, in extremis, death.
