The Pig Guide
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INTRODUCTION

This program is to give you a working knowledge of how to properly care for pig. This outline is by no means exhaustive and should not be relied upon to answer all questions. If you have questions on any section of this outline, please contact topdoc@uahzoo.com for additional information.

REPRODUCTION

A. Goal

1. Two litters per year

B. Gilt selection

1. Long and lean

2. Normal size vulva and at least 12 teats

3. Conformation - no straight legs or legs that angle in and place excess weight on outside claws.

4. Select early - to reduce fat accumulation and reduce feed costs.

C. Boar selection

1. Hybrid vigor - lean and meaty

2. From a disease-free herd

3. Conformation - very important, similar to gilts

4. Should be raised close to gilts, keeps libido normal.

5. If purchased, isolate for 30 days then expose to sows across fence. This helps SMEDI control.

6. Should be examined during breeding for:

a. Libido

b. Penile abnormalities

7. Choose boar with good record. He does affect conception rate.

D. Breeding

1. Breed gilts on second estrum (heat).

2. Hand or group (pasture) breed.

a. Must consider time available and number of sows.

3. Insure two breedings per sow and gilt.

4. Do not over work boar.

a. Two breedings per week best.

5. Conception rate is down July thru September; therefore, to get same number of pigs per month you may need to plan for more gilts or sows at this time.

E. Miscellaneous care

1. Cut tusks every four months.

2. Bleed sows and boars annually for brucellosis and pseudorabies.

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VACCINATIONS

A. Leptospirosis

1. At weaning (or 5-6 weeks of age) and repeat in 2 weeks.

2. At six months for breeding stock.

3. Prior to each rebreeding.

B. Erysipelas

1. At weaning (or 5-6 weeks of age) and repeat in 2 weeks.

2. At six months for breeding stock.

3. Prior to each rebreeding.

C. Pasturella

1. If you have problems with chronic pneumonia

2. Vaccinate sows two weeks prior to farrowing.

D. Mycoplasma

1. If you have respiratory problems with young pigs

2. Vaccinate at 4 and 14 days with Bordetella - Pasturella - Corynebacterium.

E. Rhinitis and Pneumonia

1. If you have respiratory problems plus nose problems

2. Vaccinate at one and 14 days with Bordetella - Pasturella - Corynebacterium.

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PARASITE CONTROL

A. Internal

1. Sows and gilts

a. Two weeks prior farrowing - Atguard.

b. Six to eight weeks after farrowing - Atguard.

c. Prior to breeding - Levamasole.

d. Prior to breeding - Alternate with Piperazine.

e. A new alternative Ivomec can be given by injection.

2. Pigs

a. At five and ten days - TBZ paste.

b. Six weeks - Atguard

3. Feeders

a. Piperazine

4. All Pigs

a. Ivomec - Ivermectin may be alternately used with any of the above.

B. External

1. Mange and lice control

a. Spray new boars two times seven days apart.

b. Spray breeding herd two times seven days apart.

c. Spray sows and gilts two weeks prior farrowing.

d. Repeat spraying every two months.

2. Use wetting agent with ortho-garden sprayer.

3. Use 1% malathion.

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PEDIATRICS

A. Have sow on 2-6 ounces of epsom salt on feed per day from 2 days before farrowing to one week after.

B. Wash sow's udder just before farrowing.

C. Should be no longer than 30 minutes between pigs during farrowing, prefer 10-20 minutes.

D. Cut navels to two inches and dip in 7% iodine.

E. Clip needle teeth at one day of age.

F. At three days give 1cc flocillin with 1cc iron in neck for anemia and navel illness.

G. Start pigs on free choice supplemental feed as soon as they will eat it.

H. Castrate boar pigs at 7-10 days.

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NUTRITION

A. Feed companies all have good feeding programs.

B. Important points to watch:

1. During first 25 days of gestation, feed no greater than 4 pounds of high energy feed per day of which is no more than 1/4 pound protein.

2. Increase feed during last 20 to 30 days of gestation.

3. Calcium - Phosphorus ratio is 1.5 :1.

4. Vitamin E and Selenium should be in diet.

C. Mixer should be available to mix medicated feeds and therapeutic rations.

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