Pig notes July 2008
New equipment at Pig and Poultry Fair
A buzz of activity; an air of optimism; a well organized event; a great atmosphere; plenty to see – just some of the phrases that could be used to describe this years Pig and Poultry Fair. Almost 9,000 visited the Fair and it was good to see a large contingent from Northern Ireland.
Circovac, the PCV2 vaccine won the Best New Product Award. It received the award because of its ‘proven track record in controlling PMWS and PDNS and its impact on improved herd health and staff morale’.
Other equipment which I found of interest included the Big Wheel feeder, the balance farrowing crate and the Acushot injector. Although the Big Wheel feeder has been available for several years very few are in use in Northern Ireland. The manufacturers claim that feed wastage is reduced, they are simple to use and are solid and robust. AFBI, Hillsborough are planning to carry out research on the feeders comparing them with the multi space dry feeder and/or single space wet/dry feeder.
The balance farrowing crate, designed to reduce pre-weaning mortality is very popular in Holland. During a visit to Holland last year I visited several farms successfully using the crates. Dutch farmers claim up to one extra pig weaned per sow per year. The floor under the sow lying area moves up and down as the sow stands up and lies down. The crates are normally used only for the first seven days after farrowing.
The Acushot needle free injector also created a lot of interest at the Fair. The stand alone injector does not require an external power source and can be used to inject pigs of all stages with any vaccine or medication. The depth of injection is also adjustable for intramuscular, subcutaneous or intradermal injections.
Seasonal infertility
Sows slow at coming on heat, gilts not cycling, an increase in repeats – sound familiar? These are just some of the signs of seasonal infertility that occur on many pig units from this time of year onwards. The following management tips may help reduce the effects of seasonal infertility.
- Use a timer to provide 16 hours light per day in the service per dry sow house. The best type of light is fluorescent lights positioned 1m above the sows head.
- Encourage sows to eat more in the farrowing house by keeping the house cool. Also feed a high energy ration during lactation and from weaning to service. If necessary give the sows extra water to encourage them to eat more.
- Keep extra gilts which can be served to make up for the increase in repeats and general infertility problems.
Boreholes
Do you abstract water from a borehole or directly from a watercourse? If yes, you need to register with the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS). This applies to existing and new boreholes. The EHS need to know how much water is abstracted from an area in any one day. You can get an application form by contacting EHS (02892633482). From 1 July 2008 a one off application charge will apply.
Dry sow feed levels
With the welcome increase in temperatures now is the time to think about reducing the amount of feed you give your dry sows. With the warmer weather sows do not need as much feed to keep warm. Depending on sow condition reduce levels by a quarter to half KG/day.
