EXAM 3: Weaning & pig processing Flashcards
Historically pigs are weaned at ____________ of age. Today most pigs are weaned at ____________
5-6 wks
21-22 days
weaning systems
segregated early weaning (SEW)= most common
medicated early wean (MEW)= rare
specific pathogen free (SPF)= rare; research
benefits to weaning pigs early
decreased production losses caused by disease (biggest advantage)
increased number of pigs/female/yr
decrease medication cost
maximize potential for lean growth
decrease chance of depopulation
how is disease outbreak decreased when we wean earlier
piglets are still protected by their dams colostrum antibodies while moving/weaning
when to piglets lose colostrum antibodies
~ day 25 of age
weaned earlier means the pig will be _______________ at market
leaner
**rewarded for leaness
Drawbacks of weaning earlier
wean to the first interval often increase**
farrowing rates may be reduced**
subsequent total pigs born may be reduced**
modified nursery equipment
expensive nursery feed
less eggs ovulated= smaller litter
**= greatest impact when weaned at 14 days or less
the main drawbacks of weaning early occurs when we wean at
14 days of age of less
why is nursery feed expensive
require highly digestable feed and high-quality protein sources
**animal source of protein
examples: whey, blood meal, plasma meal
the most common weaning system
segregated early weaning
SEW was designed on the assumption that
disease transmission is minimal during the first 3 weeks of age when the sows milk provides highest antibody protection
sows are immune to diseases that affect the growing pig, but the sow is a source of
infection to their offspring
are pigs infected at birth
no, generally become exposed after birth
Segregated early weaning is at what age
21 days
pigs have high levels of antibodies from colostrum
protected from infectious agents carried by dams
the process of segregating in segregated early weaning
transport babies from farrowing site to another facility
OR
move sows to breeding/gestating facility and leave piglets where they were born
what type of segregation is used more often
transport babies from farrowing site to another facility
**to nursery/wean to finish
what type of segregation is better for the piglets
move sows to breeding/gestating facility and leave piglets where they were born
less stress
purpose of segregating
prevents verticle transmission of infection
close observation of each young pig should occur
2x day for evidence of adequate milk production by the sow
characteristics of healthy pig
run around
tight, shiny skin
thrifty looking
characteristics of sick pig
lose skin (dehydrated)
depressed
hairy
what are the 4 ways we can euthanize young pigs
carbon dioxide
blunt mechanical trauma
electrocution
controlled drug (barbituates)
most common ways of euthanizing young pigs
carbon dioxide (slow death)
blunt mechanical trauma (quickest, least painful)
why is electrocution not commonly used
dangerous for person doing it
pigs processed one at a time
why are controlled drugs not commonly used?
major human health risk
need a vet to sign off on use
the surgical removal of two testicles that is routine management practice for male pigs destined for slaughter
castration
boar odor or boar taint occurs in
pork from uncastrated male pigs
how do we castrate pigs
knife
side cutter
pigs are born with eight _______________ on the sides of their upper and lower jaw
needle teeth (wolf teeth)
producers typically clip needle teeth within 24 hours because
it will reduce laceration of other litter mates and sows udder
cut 1/2 of tooth away, flat
do all producers need to cut needle teeth
no, it normally is cases where the sow is a poor milker or greasy pig/mastitis is a problem
Specific pathogen free (spf) herds are used in
research
foundation stock
rare
high pre-wean mortality
how are SPF herd piglets born
C-section two or four days before farrowing date then reared in isolators for about 2 weeks
what happens to the piglets in the isolators
Given probiotic flora to promote health of the digestive tract and suppress the growth of E.Coli
given sterilized colostrum supplements
once SPF piglets are removed from isolators, what happens
placed in cleaned rooms and gradually introduced to various contaminated
examples: dust in air, bacteria is food
remain free from specific pathogens
pig processes includes
clipping teeth
treating umbilical cord
iron
dock tail
identification
treating splay-legged pigs
provide supplemental nutrients
castrate
do producers process piglets all at once
some can
others do it over a span of a few days
does the umbilical cord of pigs normally require much attention
no, usually shrivels up and dies off within 24hours
it is possible for bacteria/viruses to travel up the cord and cause infection/bleeding –RARE
if excessive bleeding occurs from the umbilical cord, what can be done
cord can be tied off with string using square or surgical knot or clamp with plastic clamp
apply iodine antiseptic
supplemental iron is needed in pigs to prevent
anemia
why does anemia is young pigs develop rapidly
low reserves in newborn pigs
low iron in sow colostrum
rapid growth rate
lack of contact with soil
**can result within 7-10 days of birth
when/where should iron be given
day 1-3 of age
Inject 200mg or orally (not absorbed the best and can cause nausea)
in the neck is preferred
NEVER in the ham (stains/bruises)
DO NOT OVERDOSE (is possible)
why is an undocked tail bad
target for biting and canniblism
why do we dock tails
reduced newborn tail biting
Dock about 1 in from where the tail meets body with an emasculator or heated cutter to cauterize and apply antiseptic
Cut 24hrs after birth to cause the least amount of stress
should be healed in 7-10 days
what can occur if we dock the tail too short
interfere with muscle activity around anus and can lead to rectal prolapse
options for identification include
ear tag
tattoo
ear notch (most common)
how is a pigs ear notched
The litter number is notched in the pigs right ear
the individual number is notched in the pigs left ear
V-ear notcher
leave at least 1/4 inch between notched
NO MORE THAN 2 NOTCHES/ QUAD
