Guidelines For Introducing Breeding Stock Into Existing Herds
 
Whenever replacement animals are integrated into an existing herd, there is the potential that they are exposed to disease organisms that they have not previously encountered.

For direct introduction of breeding stock into existing herds:
  1. Ensure that the new pigs have a comfortable environment with proper temperature control, floor space allotment, feed supply, and water availability.
  2. All breeding stock can be injected intramuscularly with long acting Oxytetracyline, Biomycin or Trimidox within 72 hours of arrival.
  3. Often, stock has been vaccinated against parvovirus erysipelas and Glasser's Disease before delivery.  Booster vaccinations for parvovirus and leptspirosis are recommended before breeding.  Other vaccinations requirements will vary from farm to farm and should be established in conjunction with your veterinarian ahead of time so that their administration can be properly timed.
  4. This acclimatization process should be followed for boar introductions as well.
  5. Boar usage per week should be based on age guidelines:
    ·  7-9 months:   1 mating/week
    ·  9-12 months: 2 matings/week
    · 12+ months:   Maximum of 6 matings/week
    Boars should be hand-mated so as to facilitate observation and to provide an initial positive experience with their gilt services.
  6. Gilts are delivered at a weight of 110 kg (240 lbs.).   This appropriate sizing plays a key role in their successful integration into the herd, while stimulating a strong estrous cycle.  This weight allows the gilts to get the best possible start and ensure longevity in the herd.
  7. As these animals are still growing, a gilt developer diet is recommended until farrowing.  Discuss a feeding regime with a nutritional consultant.
  8. Watch all new arrivals closely for symptoms that may indicate a problem.  Listlessness, poor appetite, joint stiffness, coughing and skin color changes should all be treated accordingly when they are first noticed.
Ideally, it is recommended that every producer have an isolation facility.  This will allow the animals to experience a controlled disease exposure.  The use of sentinel animals from the herd, along with the introduction of a feedback (manure or placenta) procedure, can be implemented in isolation.  A 2-3 week period is an excellent way to provide exposure.
 
 

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