Posted by Dr. Keith Wilson on June 25 2009 09:45

Authored By: Dr. Keith Wilson As I write this article, the North American Swine industry is in the midst of some of its greatest health challenges ever. Clinical losses due to disease are at levels never before seen. The main disease getting all the attention is Circo virus (PCVII). This is a very complex disease and we have not begun to fully understand all the interactions with the pig's environment, genetics, nutrition and the many complex disease interactions within the pig. Because of the ... [More]

Posted by Dr. Keith Wilson on June 25 2009 09:22

Oral Vaccination "Do's" Withhold meds for 7 days, vac on Day 4 Check bins, waterers- ensure med free Premeasure 4 to 6 hour water needs Neutralize chlorine, stop peroxide & acids Use Ready Pack™DT or clean bucket Bleed lines to start vaccination Monitor vaccine administration Flush medicator after each use Vac at least 4 weeks pre-exposure and/or 8 weeks pre-clinicals Oral Vaccination "Don'ts" Assume a diagnosis Withhold water prior to vaccination Reduce dosage Vacc... [More]

Posted by Dr. Keith Wilson on June 25 2009 08:25

Non-cycling Sows or Gilts Will only work on animals that have not cycled or have stopped cycling Safe to use on pregnant sows or gilts Shorten Wean to Service Interval May use on P1 females at weaning Problem sows in farrowing - use at weaning Late - weaners - use if no heat by day 10 post-weaning Commonly Encountered Problems No heat seen animal is already cycling she's pregnant not mature metabolic problems - poor feed consumption Did not synchronize the gilt g... [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]