Choose your vet wisely
The veterinarian is one of the main advisors for farm management and farmers put a lot of trust in them. Pig welfare expert Dr Irene Camerlink explains that the ideal vet makes a world of difference.
Technologies and knowledge keep on improving, and the same holds true for veterinary practices. What was valid veterinary advice 10 years ago, may not be applicable now; for example, due to changes in a disease’s virulence, different medications to reduce antimicrobial resistance, or new techniques in addressing the health issues. Veterinarians therefore need to keep up to date with current developments, and you must see the effect of that at your farm.
It is not uncommon to see sows with ugly ulcers in their neck as evidence from past injections with thick needles. Such a veterinary visit not does only leaves bruises, but also an increased amount of fear for humans, resulting in a sow that is more difficult to handle. The thickness of the required needle depends on the consistency of the medicine, and how quickly you want to inject it.
Nowadays, it is often not needed to use such thick needles, or to inject in the neck. Injecting in the neck is very obvious to the animal and creates a direct association between the human and the pain. Instead, injecting in the hind leg can be done more unnoticed.
In some cases, there are alternatives to injections, such as oral or intra-uterine medications or using needle-free devices. Giving the medication in the least stressful manner is better for the human-animal relationship and, in farrowing and lactating sows, it will be less disruptive to the nursing process. Whether the vet, you or other farm workers medicate the pigs, make sure to stay up to date with current practices and skills.
Antimicrobial resistance
Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance is a serious issue amongst pig farmers; as some may have noticed when trying to enter a hospital. Reducing the chance of antimicrobial resistance is as important for farm workers as it is for animals.
Veterinarians can provide advice on how to improve herd health status, and thereby contribute to reducing the use of antibiotics. For example, the practice of teeth clipping with piglets can cause injuries which are a route for pathogens, and thus subsequent health issues. Teeth grinding is better than clipping, but both methods can cause inflammation in the tooth pulp for up to six weeks. Instead, it may be better to assess with the vet if teeth reduction is still needed when efforts are made to reduce competition at the udder.
Skilled vets are a blessing
The veterinarian is one of the main advisors for farm management, and studies have shown that UK and US pig farmers put more faith in the advice of their veterinarian than from most other advisors. Consider whether you are getting the results and support that you are expecting. Ideal vets give information about their choices, follow appropriate biosecurity measures, and handle the animals in a way that minimises stress. Skilled vets are a blessing (especially with unrestrained sows) and make it easier to keep calm pigs that recover well and an overall healthy herd.
