Posted by Dr. Steve Dudley on June 18 2006 13:39
Baby pig diarrhea has been a significant production problem in the swine industry for many years. Many pathogens that traditionally caused disease problems are still present on swine farms. However, there are new pathogens that are continuing to change the way pork producers and their veterinarians deal with piglet diarrhea. Pathogens that cause disease are broken into three categories 1) Viruses 2) Bacteria 3) Protozoa. Viruses such as Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE) and Rotavirus c... [More]
Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on June 13 2006 16:28
Weaning is a Stress
No vaccines within one week of weaning
No feed change within one week of weaning
No dehorning/castrating/implants at weaning
When to Wean?
When the calf is eating 1.5-2 pounds of calf starter
5-6 weeks of age
Decreasing milk
One week pre-wean switch the calves to once a day milk (normal amount and concentration)
Water
Free choice water needs to be available at all times
Clean water
Carry extra buckets and exchange clean for dirty
(wash buck... [More]
Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on June 13 2006 09:09
Fluid Therapy Options
Authored By: Dr. Sara Barber
Baby Calves and Dehydration
Calves dehydrate quickly
Dehydrate from heat, scours, pneumonia
Bottom Line: All sick calves need fluid therapy
How much fluid does the 90 lb calf need?
Sick calf with no signs of dehydration:
5% dehydrated
2 liters deficient
Calf with positive skin tent:
7% dehydrated
3 liters deficient
Calf with sunken eyes:
9% dehydrated
3.5 Liters deficient
Fluid Deficiency
The c... [More]
Posted by Dr. Keith Wilson on June 12 2006 09:45
The finishing pig can be compared to a high performance race car. We are constantly trying to fine tune it with facilities, genetics, and nutrition to try to get the best and most profitable performance. We are hopeful that each year we can show improvement. However, unlike a machine, the pig is a biological entity which has significant variables that are often not in our control such as health. These disease challenges can hit at the most inopportune time to keep the pig from achieving it&rsquo... [More]