If you’ve spent time in pig farmers’ groups, you’ve likely encountered questions such as:
“My pig just farrowed. What injection should I give the sow and piglets?”
“My piglets are 3 months old but still very small. What drug or booster can I use?”
For many farmers, medication is often the first solution that comes to mind for any issue. However, the reality is that most problems on pig farms stem from poor management rather than a lack of medication.
A sow that has just farrowed doesn’t necessarily require injections. What it truly needs is a clean, dry pen, access to clean water, high-quality feed, and minimal stress. When hygiene is neglected, piglets can easily pick up infections from the floor, the sow, or their surroundings during their first few days of life. No amount of medication can remedy a dirty environment.
Additionally, some farmers rely heavily on feeding pigs palm kernel cake (PKC) mixed with rice bran or cassava peels, then express concerns about their pigs remaining small and weak at three months old. Instead of improving the diet, they seek injections to “boost” growth. However, growth is driven by adequate protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins—nourishments that are often lacking in subpar feed.
Yes, the pigs are eating, but they aren’t receiving the nutrients they need to thrive.
The same issue contributes to piglet mortality. Some farms continuously treat for diarrhea, pneumonia, or weakness yet still face losses. A visit to these farms typically reveals wet floors, strong odors, flies everywhere, contaminated water, and stressed animals. While drugs may be in use, hygiene remains neglected.
As livestock farmers, it’s crucial to understand that medication should not be the primary focus. Drugs are intended to complement sound management practices, not replace them. Over-reliance on injections to tackle management issues leads to wasted money and increases the risk of drug abuse.
Excessive antibiotic use not only impacts the pigs but also affects meat quality, consumer safety, and market trust.
Establishing good hygiene, providing proper feeding, ensuring clean water, reducing stress, and creating a conducive environment can prevent many issues that farmers attempt to treat.
First, fix the foundational system; then use drugs only when truly necessary. That’s the key to sustainable pig farming.
