Maximizing Pig Herd Health Management and Production Efficiency

This book describes the science and practice of maximising pig herd health and production efficiency based on the results of scientific laboratory and farm based research studies in combination with practical on-farm management procedures which the author developed on client farms. The objective was to enhance pig herd productivity and profitability. The services provided by the author’s specialist pig veterinary practice were subjected to cost/benefit analyses with the objective of ensuring that the client was the benefactor of positive returns on the capital invested in the program. A formula and checklist are included to facilitate calculation of the projected cost of establishing MD (SPF) herds and to identify potential weaknesses in bio-security which might mitigate against success. Since depopulation /re-population programs are expensive alternative methods of improving herd health status and disease eradication are discussed. The following topics form the core subject matter of this book: pig herd health and management disease eradication welfare food safety medication zoonosis nutrition food-borne toxins house design and environment.