Health assurance of high value breeding stock
Content
How to secure on-farm health status integration
High health DanBred animals are well known for world-class performance- implementing the correct health integration strategy for the new breeding stock will ensure world-class performance on farm.
Health assurance of high value breeding stock
High health DanBred genetics are well known for world-class performance- delivering large robust litters with an extraordinary genetic potential for growth. To maximise the full potential of their genes, it is imperative to implement a proper acclimatisation program which includes a well-managed quarantine period. This will slowly expose the breeding stock to the pathogens in the recipient herd whilst allowing the animals time to recover and establish proper immunity. At the same time, the animals will be able to adjust to their new climate, feed, housing and management systems.
Ensuring the best possible introduction of DanBred animals to your herd
DanBred breeding stock is delivered with a declared health status and transparent vaccination and treatment history.
Disciplined management and systematic recording are essential tools when introducing new animals into any herd. Maintaining the health status of the existing herd is critical to sustaining productivity, which is why knowing the health history and subsequent status of both incoming stock and the receiving herd is important. If breeding animals from high health status herds are entered directly into an existing herd in which certain infections are present and active, the immediate productivity of the new animals is compromised (DPRC, 2013).
Implementing a correct acclimatisation strategy of the new breeding stock will ensure immunity to the diseases in the existing herd before entry.
The main objectives for the acclimatisation period is to:
- Prevent new diseases entering into the existing herd.
- Establish a common immune status between the incoming animals and the existing herd without disturbing the general health in both the new animals and the existing herd.
To ensure the above goals, new breeding stock should always be placed in an isolated quarantine facility.
It is there that the incoming animals can be blood tested to ensure they are not incubating diseases that do no already exist in the production herd.
Furthermore, a vaccination plan in accordance with the on farm health status should be initiated to ensure a health match between the existing herd and the incoming breeding stock (DPRC, 2013).
The vaccination programme should be initiated in the quarantine facility where the new animals are isolated for at least 8 weeks, Depending on health status and vaccination procedures, the isolation period could be extended to 12 weeks (DPRC, 2007).
Develop and implement a diagnostic plan specific to your herd with your herd veterinarian or health services department- DanBred is happy to assist if needed.
Easy steps for on farm health assurance
Proper health management will minimise potential challenges which could disrupt either the new breeding stock or the existing herd.
The quarantine facilities
New breeding stock should always be placed in a quarantine facility upon arrival:
- Quarantine facilities should be located separately from the existing herd.
- Both the ventilation and feeding systems should be separate from the main herd, as well as the manure management system.
- The quarantine unit absolutely must have its own separate entrance
- Change of clothes and footwear as well as a proper hand wash is essential (these should be considered the minimum requirement)
- A shower-in/shower-out facility is highly recommended.
If it is not possible to allocate independent labour for the quarantine unit, ensure that the work in the quarantined section is done at the end of the day. Enforce proper downtime for all staff before entering back into the existing herd, and consult the herd veterinarian for further guidance.
Health monitoring
Check the animals’ immediate health on a daily basis. Seek veterinary advice if concerns arise and watch for signs and symptoms of diseases, including:
- Reduced appetite or lack of interest in water
- Lameness
- Cough
- Wobbly walk
- Abnormal head position
- Changed consistency of faeces
Diagnostic testing & Vaccination program
Vaccinations should be administered in accordance with the on farm veterinary health plan, and should support the following ideals:
- Ensure diagnostic tests and vaccinations for all relevant diseases
- Reduce production losses in the new animals due to health differences with the existing herd
- Avoid disturbing the health of the existing herd.
References
Danish Pig Research Centre (DPRC) (2007): Manual – Håndtering af polte. SEGES Videncenter for Svineproduktion. Retrieved 25/02/19 https://svineproduktion.dk/publikationer/ kilder/lu_rapporter/manual_haandtering_polte
Danish Pig Research Centre (DPRC) (2013): Smitteforebyggelse i besætningen. SEGES Videncenter for Svineproduktion. Retrieved 25/02/19 https://svineproduktion.dk/viden/om-grisen/sundhed/forebyggelse/smittebeskyttelse
