Farmer Focus: Scours in the farrowing department

The farrowing unit is giving us some issues because of a persistent scour that appears to be mainly affecting the piglets in the first 24 to 36 hours after birth.

Testing has so far shown that there is an E coli strain involved, but it has not been possible to type it as yet, so we are not entirely sure what course of action is going to be most effective.

With prompt medication and by ensuring the litter receives an electrolyte solution, we have been able to keep losses to a minimum, but the litters do not look pretty.

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The number of farrowings are now returning to normal levels after the autumn dip, and the rooms are finally working at peak numbers. This will give me chance to reduce the overdraft over the next few months.

The replacements are being used to maintain the service numbers as best we can, but there are going to be some gaps left that will be filled on the next cycle – we can only hold so many gilts.

The service area continues to be a success story and the scan rate (worked out as a percentage) is consistently in the 90s. The only dip recently was as a result of a respiratory outbreak over the holiday period that affected the sow herd.

At times we need to be careful about what we wish for. Last month I mentioned we were going to have some time off. It actually happened, however, it resulted in me being rushed to A&E with severe chest pains.

Many tests concluded the problem was either skeletal or muscular. I would like to state here and now the rumour that the cause was as a result of me doing some actual work are false.

I know we all criticise the NHS at times, but when push comes to shove they come into their own and I have only the highest regard and thanks for the service and its superb staff.

All I have to do now is pay my deposit for the annual fishing trip.


Tony Bayles runs a herd of 1,000 sows producing 7kg pigs and all his own replacement stock on contract to a large local producer.