<%@LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.3"%> Swine Health Management - Feed
   

Farm feed management to
prevent medicine residue problems:

These guidelines are not exhaustive and are for guidance purposes only.

1 All prescription-only medicines should be prescribed by the farm veterinarian.
2 Only use medicine concentrations and combinations as recommended by the farm veterinarian.
3
  • Maintain a good record system to keep track of medicated feed usages.
  • Medicated feed usage must be recorded in the medicine book.
4 Purchase feed from reputable feed agencies who maintain adequate measures to eliminate in-feed medicine cross-contamination.
5 Clean out or flush: feed bins, conveyors, and feeding equipment to reduce medicine carry over into the next load of feed.
  Figure 1. Augers often leave residual feed in their housing because the screws must have clearance as shown in figure on the right. The residual feed in represented by the shading.

  Figure 2. Movement of feed out of a bin occurs directly above the discharge point. The remaining feed then cascades down the slope of the crater that is subsequently formed. Failure to completely empty bins before refilling will result in residual feed retained in the bin.

 

  Figure 3. The figure to the right demonstrates the typical feed flow in a feed bin, with shaded areas illustrating where the feed is most likely to remain and contaminated the next batch.

 

  Figure 4.  Feed hoppers may also have residual feed if not properly managed. Ensure that feeders are completely empty before refilling. The figure on the right demonstrates the typical feed flow in a feeder with potential areas of residual feed remaining between batches. Note: each feeder design will be different. Use bagged feed to assist the cleaning out process.
7 Adhere to proper withdrawal periods for medicines.
8
  • Prevent recycling of medicines via manure and urine by adhering to cleaning procedures between groups of pigs.
  • Prevent slaughter pigs from having access to urine and feces from medicated pigs.
  • Note where feed barrows are used to transport pigs.
  • Note sows who have gained access to medicated creep feeds.
9 Where possible use bagged feed for medicated feed and label all feed bins where medicated feed is kept.
10 Read and follow any guidelines provided on all medicine products.

 

Regularly check the inside of the feed bin to prevent from mold developing. Some feed bins can be 'seen through' this helps monitor feed usage. Ensure feed bins are empty after using medicated feed.
Prevent any feed being spilt from the feed bin. Ensure that the correct feed enters the correct feed bin.