Split aids vaccinations
Split aids vaccinations
DIVIDING the breeding pig year into two sections can help ensure sows receive appropriate vaccines.
According to Cotswold Pig Development, it can be difficult to manage vaccinations against erysipelas – which must be boosted every cycle – and parvovirus, which requires boosting only once a year.
The company suggests that the year should be divided into two – January to June, inclusive, and July to December, inclusive. In the first half of the year, all sows should be vaccinated during lactation with a combined vaccine. In the second half of the year, all sows should be vaccinated during lactation against erysipelas only.
This programme means all sows receive the required vaccine regime, without the headache of checking back through records every week, says Cotswold. It adds that gilts must be vaccinated against both diseases before mating. *