Pig production has responded to the challenge of increased global demand for pork by a process of consolidation and increased size to capture benefits of economies of scale. Over the last 25 years the swine industry has evolved in order to increase production performance, health and animal wellbeing towards age segregated or multiple site production models. In general, it can be stated that the changes in production systems have produced a positive effect in the health status of pigs by improving the way we raise pigs today.
Precision is the future of all food production including pork and prevention is the foundation of precision. In this series of articles, Dr. DiPietre will look at different aspects related with pig production and precision agriculture and what economic impact could they have in our farms.
Recondition skinny sows during gestation
Increase the quantity of feed from d85 of gestation onwards: this will maximise the glycogen reserves of the newly born piglets
Ensure farm-specific vaccination schemes (in collaboration with herd vet) are complied with to result in: Stable immunity of sows as well as their piglets via colostrum-intake Optimal embryonic development
In the case of prolonged farrowings, it may be beneficial to massage the abdomen of the sow.
Boehringer Ingelheim DENMARK - Two researchers from Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica in Copenhagen have published a paper showing a highly significant reduction in the use of antimicrobials after vaccination of pigs against porcine proliferative enteropathy in a Danish specific-pathogen-free (SPF) herd.
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