CONSIDERATIONS IN MANAGEMENT TACTICS FOR STARTING WEANED PIGS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Cameron Schmitt, DVM, MS June 30, 2016 ISU Swine Day

Personal Background •  2002 graduate of Iowa State University • Completed DVM and MS (Veterinary Microbiology) •  Joined Pipestone Veterinary Clinic in 2002 • Started Pipestone Veterinary Clinic of Iowa in 2008 • Current roles:

•  President – Pipestone Veterinary Services of Iowa •  Staff Veterinarian •  Pipestone Holdings, Owner, Member BOD, Member Sr. Mgt. Team

• Married with 3 boys – Cassie, Logan, Keegan, Ethan

PRRS – The industry challenge

5/13/2016

National PRRS�Incidence/Prevalence:�July�2015�Ͳ June�201623�of�the�27�systems�are�contributing to�the�aggregate�data�seen�in�charts�1�and�5.�17�of�these�23�are�compliant�with�AASV�PRRS�classification�criteria�and�are�therefore�contributing�to�the�data�seen�in�charts�2,�3�and�4.�Chart�1�monitors�the�2015/2016�cumulative�incidence�in�light blue. Chart�2�shows�the�aggregate�prevalence beginning�July�2009.�Chart�3�shows�the�incidence�of�PRRS�by�beginning�status. Chart�4 shows�the�quarterly�count�of�breaks�by�herd�status,�beginning�July�2011�(left�vertical�axis)�with�the�exponentiallyͲweighted�moving�average�(EWMA)�superimposed�(right�vertical�axis).�Chart�5�is�the�EWMA�epidemic�monitor.�

This�week:New�breaks� � 2�PRRS�breaks�with�17�of�23�systems�reportingNew�breaks�from�previous�weeks � 2 additional�herds�break�week�of�5/4/16Status�changes � 1�herd�changes�from�positive�unstable�(1)�to�positive�stable,�ongoing�field�virus�exposure�(2fvi)

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Number�of�farms 754

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From SHMP – 5/13/16

Endemic Influenza Swine Health Monitoring Project – Influenza (System 3)

March, 2016

1) Herd prevalence: 17/38 (45%) of herds tested positive for the month of March 2016 (Figure 1). A total of 57 herds are enrolled and a herd is considered positive if at least one sample tested positive by RT-PCR (most of the samples were oral fluids).

2) Individual herd monthly influenza testing. Red=positive, green=negative, white=not tested. Hemagglutinin (HA) cluster (H1Ȗ1 = H1 gamma 1, H1į1 = H1 delta 1, H1į2 = +��GHOWD����+�Į�= H1 alpha, H3IVa = H3 cluster IV A, H3IVd = H3 cluster IV D and H3IVg = H3 cluster IV G) is specified when sequences were available. H1 clade classification was done using IRD tools (http://www.fludb.org/brc/h1CladeClassifier.spg?method=ShowCleanInputPage&decorator=influenza). H3 Cluster IV clade classification was done using reference strains from the influenza virus database at NCBI website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/FLU/Database/nph-select.cgi?go=database).

PRRS and SIV • On a very large sample size of the US swine industry

(SHMP), approximately 50% of pigs weaned are level 1 and 2 – PRRS virus positive •  Some of this is vaccine, but the majority is field virus

•  In our system, basis monthly monitoring, at any point in time 30% will be SIV positive

• Assuming this is representative of the US industry, >50% of all weaned pigs will be fighting a viral respiratory disease challenge at weaning

Managerial tactics/tools •  Management

•  Caretaker driven •  Attentive to needs, observant, knowledge base •  Oversight – production and health supervision

•  Feed •  Formulation •  Presentation •  Budgeted

•  Water •  Quality •  Availability •  Flow

•  Air •  Temperature •  Zone (in wean-to-finish barns) •  Humidity •  Gas removal

•  System design •  Pig flow •  Wean age •  Gilt development

•  Medication/Vaccination

Management • People are the most likely route to success or failure

Current business model challenges •  There is a conflict in many production companies

business models •  In many instances, growing barns (nurseries, finishers, wean-to-

finish barns) are not owned by the owner of the pig – they are leased to maximize IRR for the pig owner

•  Yardage typically includes barn rent, labor, etc. •  Barn owner – more and more often is not in direct contact with the

pigs – hires labor as cost efficiently as possible •  Labor is likely un-trained, not skilled or raised with an agriculture

background

Caretaker training • Since many entering caretaker’s have limited swine

production experience, training of new employees is highly valuable.

• Systems must have an onboarding/job shadowing platform to reduce turnover rate and successful production

• Well executed training platforms take in excess of 8 weeks

• Poorly executed training platforms commonly are video’s and sign off sheets marking completion – checking the box

Feed • You must have a close relationship with a nutritionist

•  Especially with today’s volatile markets

• You must be able to change diets quickly and easily dependent upon health status •  ADFI is the primary driver of variability

• You must acknowledge •  There are variation in commodities with respect to their nutrient

profiles •  Source •  Year by Year

Feed Presentation • Delivery is important

•  Feeder design is critical. They manage 60% of the costs to raise a pig.

Impact of Feeder Type on Performance (C22x337)

Feeder Type

Criteria Wet Dry Probability

Start Wt, lb 13.7 13.7 .99

End Wt, lb 290.8 289.4 .22

ADG, lb/d 1.95 1.92 .18

ADFI, lb/d 4.29 4.36 .15

Feed/Gain, lb:lb 2.20 2.27 .06

Backfat Depth, in 0.78 0.74 .01

Loin Depth, in 2.40 2.40 .99

% Lean 52.48 52.86 .01

Value of Feeder Adjustment • Swine Profitability Conference 2009 • Performance of 2,480 pigs/ Barn

Market Value :USD 177/market pig of 285lb and 4% WF Mortality

Pan

Coverag

e

FCRMarket

PigsLost

ExtraCost

USD/Pig

TotalFeedCost

USDLost

15% 2.37 18 $1.30 $3,108

55% 2.34 -- -- --80% 2.40 35 $2.60 $6,217

Mat Feeding/Early Feed Intake Mat Feeding

•  ~ 1 lb per 40 head of feed on mat 4 x per day •  Max 7 days of feeding, helpful anytime vs.challenge •  Goal is to stimulate not feed

Gruel Feeding Guidelines • Use starter ration • Clean bowl and mix fresh gruel 4 x per day (7 Days) •  8 oz feed & 24 oz H2O/15 pigs • Consumed in 1 Hour •  3 inches/Pig Bunk Space

Effect of Mat Feeding on Removals

Potter et al., 2010

Water • Must be fresh – would you drink it?

• Adequate flow

• Adequate sources per pig

•  “If they can’t drink, they can’t eat”

Water intake vs. ADG

1/25 1/12 1/8 Pigs/cup waters

No statistical difference

but … existed 20gr/day

between ratio 1/25 vs 1/12

PIC Recommends during nursery phase 10 pigs/drinker

Iowa State Univ. Sadler et al, 2008

Water Flow vs. ADG

PIC Recommends on Nursery 16 oz/min or 500ml/min

Peter Wilcock , London Swine Conference 2009

Early Water Intake •  When pigs are weaned, it takes time to find the

water and food supply: a.  Aprox. 35 hours for 85% of pigs to find water

(Varley and Stockill, 2001) b.  Aprox. 30 hours for 90% of pigs to find the

feed (Bruininx et al, 2002).

Air/Environment

HEALTH

• Dry • Warm • Gas removal • Essential for GI and

respiratory health

GROWTH

•  Thermoneutral zone • Balance Energy Needs

•  Energy to heat/cool •  Energy to support immune

system •  Energy to grow

Fans CFM Needs

Age (wks)

CFM/pig (Winter)

CFM/pig (Summer)

1-4 2 255-8 3 35

9-16 7 7517-26 10 120Sow 20 500

CFM Output by FanFan Size (inches)

CFM

12 120014 180020 400024 600036 11,00052 20,000

1. Measures based on 100% efficient fans 2. Fan power by percentage curvilinear

Goals: 1. Proper air exchange

2. Remove gas and odor 3. Control humidity

4. Evaporative cooling 5. Avoid drafting

Fans Problems Notice: Poor air flow in barn, stale air, high humidity, low air speed Broken / restricted fan

•  Cones improve efficiency up to 15% •  Debris reduces fan efficiency, damages blades •  Broken / worn blades reduce efficiency •  Motor / fan belts wear over time •  Dirty louvers reduce efficiency

Notice: Fan fails to run when called for Fans fail to run

•  Check fan switch •  Listen for motor running •  Ensure controller set appropriately

Notice: Constant changes between stages Stage bouncing

•  Separate fans farther apart •  Ensure inlet air appropriate each stage •  Adjust offsets

Target air from the inlet = 800 feet per minute – the colder the faster for better “Jetting = mixing”

1 square foot soffit per 400 cfm

Room Temperature Curve Guidelines

Recommended Set Points

Day On

Feed

Wean to Finish

Feeder to Finish

(Curtain) Nursery

0 82° 75 82 7 79° 72 79

14 77° 70 77 28 74° 67 75 67 67° 62 68

105 63° 62 N/A 133 58°

(62°) 60 (62) N/A

Temperatures HEALTH and GROWTH

-  Warm for weaned pigs

-  Prevent diarrhea/SRD

-  Cool to increase air exchange

-  Reduce humidity -  Comfort zone of pig

Heaters -  Warm and dry rooms -  Necessary for early pig health -  Deflectors help disperse air -  Avoid blowing on temperature probes

BrooderZone • Thebrooderwiththeprobeunderitmustbelitwhenbrooders

arerunningandshouldbethelastoneon–sothezonecan“self-regulate”

• Broodersmustrunonlow(vs.high)ifroomtempisabovesetpoint(topreventpropanewastage)–theyshouldnotheattheroom,onlythezone.

• Pigsshouldlay1-1½pigsdeepunderbrooders.AdjustSet-Tempbywatchingpigsandtheirbehavior.

• Pigsshouldlayinashallowdonutshapewithsomepigsstilllyinginmiddle

• Donotplacethebrooderprobeinanend-pen(bycurtainorbytunnelfans).

• Makesurebroodersareburningclean(theyshouldhaveanorangeglowingflameandnotblue).

• Whennotusedbagandremovethebrooders.

Comfort of the Weaned Pig

Most Critical Time in Pig’s Life •  Brooders (preferred) or lamps

–  Provide zone heat; 86-92 degrees –  Brooder probe allows self-regulation –  Shallow donut, 1-1.5 pigs deep

•  Mats –  4’ x 4’ for 35 pigs –  Retain heat, reduce draft –  Area to creep feed

•  Air not dropping from inlets •  No external drafting

Ventilation Assessment

Perimeter

•  Fans • Curtains • Soffits • Pit Covers • Emergency

drops

Controller

• Set point/curve •  Fan stages • Heater •  Temp probes •  Inlets

Environment •  Inlet opening •  Air speed •  Fans •  Louvers •  Brooders •  Probes

Ventilation Management

Environment Health Growth

Fans

Temperature Inlets / Airflow

Fan output measured by cubic feet / min (cfm)

•  12” fan = 1200 cfm •  14” fan = 1800 cfm •  20” fan = 4000 cfm •  24” fan = 6000 cfm •  36” fan = 11,000 cfm •  52” fan = 20,000 cfm

Principles •  Minimum cfm need:

•  Wean pig: 2 cfm/pig •  Feeder pig: 5-7 cfm/

pig •  Mature gilt: 10-12

cfm/pig •  Sow: 20 cfm/sow

•  1-2 degree spread between fans

•  No air leaks around / through fans

Principles •  Air speed at any fan

stage = 800 ft/min •  If low, too much

inlet •  If high, too tight

inlets •  Proper airflow essential

to keep rooms fresh and control humidity

•  Avoid temperature probes directly in front of inlets

Temperature Curve Wean pigs (day 1) = 82°

Day 7 = 79° Day 14 = 77° Day 28 = 74° Day 67 = 67°

Day 103 = 103° •  Avoid heaters blowing

onto temperature probes

•  Heaters should begin 4° below set, off 2° below set

Anemometer

Wean Pig Comfort

Warm

Ambient temperature - 82º for starting pigs - Follow temperature curve

Zone Heat - Brooder (preferred) - Heat Lamp - 85-90° zone heat - Brooder probe 3 feet below and away from brooder

No Draft - Broken fans/louvers - Improperly set inlets - Under pit covers - Mats reduce draft • 1 4’ x 4’ mat per 35 pigs

Dry Room / Slats Dry at Placement

- 24 hour dry time - Room temperature at 75 to dry - Minimum fans run 100%

Airflow - 800 ft/min inlet airflow - CFM appropriate for age - Heaters set to low gas flow - Heaters run 3 degrees below set

Diarrhea Controlled - Wet pigs feel 10 degrees colder - Avoid environment stress causing diarrhea - Use of appropriate medication

System Design •  I am seeing more and more variations on system design

over the past several years •  Batch farrowing •  On site vs. off site gilt development •  Wean age

•  The isowean was developed to fight pathogens we are no longer fighting •  Dysentery •  APP •  Rhinitis •  Etc.

System Design •  We have effectively designed a very efficient viral disease

propagation model •  Continuous flow farrowing •  Large populations of naïve pigs placed in high pig dense areas •  Limited biosecurity execution – many gaps in controllable items •  Transport sanitation – not enough wash capacity for all of

today’s trucks

•  We must develop strategies that are preventive in nature not reactive

•  Location of sow farms •  Filtration •  Transport and other biosecurity measures

Medications • Unfortunately, the current state of the industry relies

heavily on antibiotics/antimicrobials for respiratory disease control

• We will/are gradually losing these tools due to unnecessary regulation •  Unfortunately, we will likely lose this fight due to the distance from

the farm to the plate and perception is reality

Current respiratory medications commonly used •  Feed

•  Tetracyclines – OTC or CTC •  Tiamulin – Denagard •  Tilmicosin – Pulmotil •  Lincomycin

•  Water •  Tetracyclines – OTC or CTC •  Tiamulin – Denagard •  Tilmicosin - Pulmotil •  Tylvalosin – Aivlosin •  Lincomycin •  Amoxicillin •  Sulfa’s •  Penicillin

•  Injection •  Ceftiofur’s – Naxcel, Excenel, Excede •  Tulithromycin – Draxxin •  Oxytetracycline •  Florfenicol – Nuflor •  Tylosin – Tylan •  Lincomiyin •  Penicillin’s

My preferences • Properly timed coverage with a long acting injectable

antimicrobial can significantly reduce the secondary bacterial infections that are likely to occur during viral challenge at weaning – i.e. Draxxin injection

• A proper facility that is set up, pre-warmed with an experienced care taker knowledgeable in clinical expression of disease with training on driving early feed intake and treatment can make the difference between successful start-up of weaned pigs or not

• Additionally, the industry must continue to innovate practices that reduce or prevent the prevalence of viral respiratory disease at weaning.

Questions?