A good health program is another step in improving reproduction. Lack of natural immunity, stress, inadequate nutrition, and poor housing all increase a sow's or gilt's chances of contracting health problems that will reduce her reproductive performance. A good health program makes use of natural immunity, vaccinations, and scheduled control of internal and external parasites.
Gilts have little natural immunity to diseases common in the breeding herd. Their last contact with sows was at weaning. Contact with the breeding herd before breeding will provide some natural immunity in gilts. Commingling with sows, feeding fresh manure from sows and boars, or contact with boars will reduce the severity or incidence of diseases such as parvovirus.
Vaccinations will also supply gilts and sows with some immunity to diseases. In many cases, sows pass this immunity along to their offspring. In Alabama, vaccinate sows and gilts for leptospirosis, parvovirus, erysipelas, and atrophic rhinitis. Other vaccinations, such as E. coli, TGE, and mycoplasma should be used when recommended by a veterinarian, based on your herd's disease history.
Controlling internal parasites in the breeding herd is important not only for performance, but for their litters as well. A good control program in the breeding herd may reduce the incidence of internal parasites in market hogs. Sows and gilts should be dewormed before breeding with a broad-spectrum dewormer. Deworming immediately before farrowing (1 to 7 days, depending on the product) will reduce the parasite load on the baby pigs.
External parasites are more difficult to control. There are few operations that are free of lice or mange mites. Sows and gilts should be treated before breeding and 5 to 7 days before farrowing with an approved insecticide (spray, injection, dust, or pour-on). It is critical to read and follow the label. Some systemic insecticides, when used improperly, can result in abortions.
The most important part of a good health program is a good veterinarian. He or she will be aware of local problems and can design a program that fits the needs of an individual farm. The veterinarian is also necessary for the diagnosis of diseases that will directly or indirectly affect the reproductive efficiency of an operation.