By Kayla Miller, The Maschhoffs
Rasing pigs under disease pressure, particularly from porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), is an all-too-common reality for the swine industry, especially in the pig-dense Midwest. Whether challenges arise from lateral breaks or endemic pressure originating at the sow farm, the fundamental question remains: How do we effectively raise and care for compromised pigs?
Though we as an industry do not have the clear answer, here are a few ideas for consideration from a swine production system in the Midwest facing these same challenges, ranging from people to management to nutrition and health.
Driving Engagement of Caretakers
Many producers rely on the contract grower model to raise and care for growing pigs. Managing PRRS-positive pigs introduces challenges and demands beyond routine daily responsibilities, making caretaker engagement and buy-in essential.
Supporting caretakers through a PRRS break, whether through increased site visits, hands-on assistance or ensuring adequate resources, demonstrates empathy, sustains motivation and helps strengthen the long-term partnership. Ultimately, successful execution of protocols depends on clear communication, realistic expectations and outcomes, and strong alignment among the management staff, the herd veterinarian and the caretakers.
Without this alignment, the following strategies and practices are unlikely to be implemented consistently and effectively.
Management and Environmental Strategies
Successful management of PRRS-positive pigs begins with execution of the basics of animal husbandry, including focusing on individual pig care, frequent pen walking to encourage pigs to eat and drink, and execution of work protocols. Having caretaker eyes on the pigs multiple times each day provides the best chance for success in identifying unthrifty pigs early, allowing for timely intervention and additional care.
Creating a low-stress environment is equally critical to helping pigs cope with viral disease challenge. Work out of Iowa State University demonstrated that pigs experiencing a PRRS challenge often exhibit elevated body temperatures for at least 14 days.
During this period of peak viral load and clinical symptoms, management strategies that deviate from optimal production efficiency may provide meaningful benefits. Adjustments such as increasing barn set points and reducing stocking density can be practical and easily implemented tools to support thermoregulation and promote pig comfort.
Nutrition and Health
Ensuring adequate nutrient intake is critical to improving livability and performance of health challenged pigs, whether delivered through feed or water. Practical strategies, such as mat feeding and careful feeder management, may help promote feed intake during periods of appetite suppression.
Additionally, there are a range of nutritional strategies, feed additives and nutrient-dense liquids geared toward driving feed and nutrient intake that may be beneficial under the specific circumstances of the challenge. However, the principle is imperative and simple: providing palatable, high-quality nutrients to the animal during a period of low appetite.
Equally important is the execution of health protocols directed at aiding pigs through the viral load and inflammation response. Strategic and timely use of herd-level treatment programs, either water-based medications or individual injectable treatment, combined with increased diagnostic testing and surveillance, can allow for earlier detection of circulating PRRS strains and more informed decision-making.
Where Do We Go From Here?
As noted, the swine industry does not yet have all the answers for PRRS and how to manage PRRS-positive pigs. Academic research and field evaluations have provided valuable learnings on management, environmental, health, and nutritional strategies, but each PRRS challenge is unique in viral strain and severity, making every outbreak a distinct hurdle.
Success relies on consistent execution of protocols, strong engagement from caretakers and production staff and the integration of strategies across all areas of pig production. Focusing on these fundamentals gives pigs the best chance to thrive.
Kayla Miller is the manager of nutrition and quality assurance for The Maschhoffs.
