Feeder pigs
by stress
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NEWARK, Del. - Feeder
pigs that arrive at the farm
are subject to the same kinds
of stresses after travel as a
person would be, says
Delaware Extension
livestock specialist Dr.
Richard E. Fowler. They’ll
get off to a faster start if
they’re made comfortable in
their new home.
One should give them a
warm, dry pen - 75 degrees
Fahrenheit is optimal.
Drafts should be eliminated,
at least in the sleeping area,
as they can affect'a young
pig’s performance.
The pen should be isolated
from all other pigs on the
farm. One can introduce the
rje to a clean, disinfected
by applying phenol type
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or cresylic acid disinfectant
to all surfaces.
One should limit numbers
of pigs to 50 or less per pen.
Twenty-five is a good
number. At least four square
feet should be allowed for 30
to 50 pound pigs, and five
square feet for 50 to 80
pounders. Some research
has shown that space can be
cut to 3.5 square feet for
lighter weight pigs. One
should provide a separate
hospital pen for sick pigs.
Stressed or sick pigs will
drink water before they will
consume much feed. Fowler
suggests medicating their
water for one week. One
waterer should be allowed
for 25 pigs. Water soluble
sulfa and electrolytes or
Feeder pigs introduced to a new environment
are affected by stress just like a human would be.
water soluble antibiotics and
electrolytes can be used. A
flavor enhancer such as
Jello or Kool-Aid will in
crease water consumption.
One feeder space is
allowed for every four pigs.
If the feeders are covered,
one should fasten the lids
open for several days.
Special formula feeds
benefit the pigs for the first
five days.
A special ration should
contain 13 per cent protein,
17 per cent oats or barley,
vitamins at two times the
NRC levels, and higher
levels of antibiotic (100-200
grams per ton). The effects
of shipping stress and
anemia can be reduced with
the addition of two pounds of
ferrous sulfate and one
pound of copper sulfate per
ton of feed.
One can gradually change
to his regular feed, which
should contain 16 per cent
protein. A good way to moke
this change is to blend half
regular feed and half special
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Care should be taken to make them feel as
comfortable and as much at home as possible.
ration before changing over
entirely to the regular feed.
One can consult his
veterinarian for the proper
medication to use in regular
feed.
A person should deworm
the pigs wnen they arrive, or
wait three weeks. A broad
spectrum wormer con
taining levamisole HCL or
dichlorovos should be used.
If there is sickness, one
should wait until it is over to
deworm.
External parasites can be
treated by using Malathion
or another approved
pesticide for lice and mange.
One should spray when the
temperature is above
freezing and treat as often as
necessary.
During the first week or
two, a person should observe
the pigs several times a day.
Individual pigs can be
treated upon the advice of
your veterinarian for three
consecutive days. Early
treatment often prevents
death.
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