A dajkásítási eljárások módosításának — mint a PRRS mentesítés egyik elemének — termelési tapasztalatai Esettanulmány

Abstract

SUMMARY Background: Fostering gives a possibility to grow up more piglets, and to increase the milking capacity and fertility of first parity sows. In disease eradications, fostering alteration can play a role in breaking infection cycle and cross-infection prevention. Objectives: This study reports production impact of altered fostering methods as element of PRRS Eradication Plan (PEP) in a Hungarian farrow-to-finish farm. Materials and Methods: The 2250 sow farm applied cascade fostering (CF) and pig let rescue desks (RD), but in February 2015 a PRRS outbreak was observed. Afterwards, according to PEP, pigs were vaccinated twice against PRRSV (Porcilis PRRS) and in April 2015, CF and RD were changed to McRebel Management System (MMS). After 6 months, additional PRRS PCR negative nursing sows entered the repopulated farrowing pens and fostering was allowed again (but no piglet movement). In February and May 2016, CF and RD were re-introduced. Suckling piglets' mortality and culling was surveyed (February 2015 to August 2016) and impact on mortality of fostering alteration was analysed. The data were processed by using Microsoft Excel© program. Results: After PRRS outbreak (February 2015 to August 2015), the number of live born piglets significantly decreased (–11%), but there still were more piglets than available sow nipples. MMS reduced infection pressure and weaned piglets became field virus PCR negative, but the piglet mortality and culling rate almost tripled (29.8%) because of no fostering. From November 2015, nursing sows' extra nipples improved piglets' survival, and the mortality and culling rate decreased to 14.8%. Re-introduction of CF further reduced suckling piglets’ disposal that fell to 11.8% after RD re-use. Discussion and Conclusions: Efficient operation of intensive swine farms with hyper productive breeds requires effective fostering methods. CF and RD are good tools to receive as many weaned piglets as possible. During disease eradications, free fostering needs to be stopped to avoid piglets' cross-infection. MMS and then fostering alteration according to the epidemiologic situation in the farrowing unit can help reduce production losses.