MANAGEMENT PIH-20
PURDUE UNIVERSITY. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE.
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Starting Purchased Feeder Pigs
Authors
Michael C. Brumm, University of Nebraska
Marianne Y. Ash, Camden, Indiana
George W. Jesse, University of Missouri
William G. Luce, Oklahoma State University
Reviewers
Bill and Karilyn Moeller, Springdale, Arkansas
A. D. Pete Moles, Marshall, Missouri
Ron Wagner, Francis Creek, Wisconsin
More than one-fourth of all market hogs in the United States
were purchased as feeder pigs. While a majority of these pigs are
fed in facilities relatively close to the purchase site, a large
number are transported long distances for finishing.
Transporting and commingling practices expose young pigs to
a variety of stresses. Feeder pigs may experience hunger, thirst
and fatigue along with changes in diet, social order, pen mates
and environment. In addition, commingled pigs often encounter
disease organisms to which they have not developed resistance.
Therefore, an effective purchasing and receiving program is
recommended to minimize the ill effects of these stresses. The
following are guidelines for purchasing and starting feeder pigs.
0
Feeder pigs are purchased from a variety of sources. Table 1
lists the percentage breakdown of pig sources for purchasers of
feeder pigs.
Table 1. Sources of Feeder Pigs
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Region
Source North Central Southeast
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Direct from producer 52 28
Auction markets 36 57
Other 12 15
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Van Arsdall and Nelson, 1984
Many problems can be avoided by careful purchase. The ideal
group of feeder pigs:
1. originated from a single source,
2. have barrows castrated and healed,
3. are relatively free of internal and external parasites,
4. weighed at least 40 lb. at 8 weeks of age,
5. have tails docked.
Purchase the lightest weight pig that your facilities will
accommodate (preferably greater than 50 lb. if transported an
extended distance). Historically, the cost of weight gain in a
finishing facility is less than the cost of that same weight pur-
chased as a heavier feeder pig. The average feeder pig purchased
in the United States has a 48-50 lb. payweight.
Management and Housing
The newly arrived pig, especially if it was transported any
distance or held off feed and water for a time period, will have
a lower arrival weight than payweight. Thus, management at
arrival must recognize that shrink (weight loss from payweight to
arrival weight) occurred and be targeted at minimizing the
effects of this shrink.
The average shrink for feeder pigs purchased from auction
markets and transported long distances (greater than 600 miles)
has been 10-11% (4-5 lb.). For pigs purchased locally, it is not
uncommon for the pigs to weigh 1-2 lb. less at arrival because of
the stress and shrink associated with loading, unloading and
transport.
Be prepared for the arriving pigs. Prior to the pigs'
arrival, thoroughly clean and disinfect the facility. Upon
arrival, especially in cold weather, provide a dry, draft-free
sleeping area. In cold weather, supplemental heat and/or hovers
and/or bedding may be necessary. For non-bedded inside facili-
ties, provide 3-4 sq. ft. of floor area for 30-60 lb. pigs. For
facilities using straw bedding and outside lots, provide 3-4 sq.
ft. of sleeping space up to an average weight of 100 lb. and at
least double this amount of space in the outside area.
Group pigs by size at arrival. Limit the weight range within
a pen to plus or minus 10-15%, if possible. Put no more than
25-30 pigs per pen, especially inside pens. More than this may
reduce performance due to excessive fighting and other aggressive
actions.
One watering space is required per 10-15 pigs, especially if
nipple or bite drinking devices are used. If nipple or bite
watering devices are provided, they should have a delivery capa-
city of two or more cups of water per minute. It may be neces-
sary to let these watering devices drip for a short time (2-6
hours) until the pigs learn to drink from them. Provide clean,
palatable water.
Provide at least one feeder space for every 3-4 pigs. If the
feeders have lids, it may be necessary to secure them in an open
position until the pigs are eating properly. Floor feeding twice
a day in the sleeping area on solid floors for the first few days
promotes good dunging habits and allows the manager to more
closely monitor feed intake. It also encourages more frequent
observation of the pigs. Research has demonstrated that perfor-
mance to market weight is not different for this management prac-
tice when compared to ad libitum feed offering upon arrival.
Nutrition
Formulate the diet for the newly arrived pigs based on the
expected nutritional needs of the lightest 25% of the pigs. While
the average payweight of a group of pigs may be 50 lb., if the
bottom 25% average 30-35 lb. at arrival, a diet formulated for
the 50 lb. pig will put these bottom pigs at a nutritional disad-
vantage. Increasing or decreasing the protein level for the
first week following arrival generally does not improve perfor-
mance.
The addition of 20% ground whole oats or 10% good quality
alfalfa hay (not alfalfa meal) to the receiving diet for a 2-4
week period may aid in the reduction of the typical post-arrival
scour. While this fiber addition will not adversely influence the
rate of gain or feed efficiency from purchase to market, it has
been shown to delay the onset of the typical post-arrival scour.
Research has not demonstrated any improvement in performance
to market weight by the addition of vitamins and trace minerals
at levels higher than those normally recommended for growing pig
diets. In addition, there has been no consistent improved
response from the addition of potassium chloride to the receiving
diet.
The use of an antimicrobial feed additive in the receiving
diet is recommended. The feed additive selected, and level of
usage, depends on the individual farm situation, source of feeder
pigs and additive availability. Seek professional help in select-
ing this additive, especially if it is added for control or erad-
ication of a disease causing organism.
Regulations concerning additives and approved levels change
often. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. Refer to PIH-31,
"Feed Additives for Swine" for further information.
After the 2 to 4 week receiving period, pigs may be switched
to a balanced grower diet. Suggested diets are given in PIH-23,
``Swine Diets.''
Health
The major health problems affecting newly arrived feeder
pigs are respiratory distress (pneumonia) and diarrhea (scours).
Even though post-arrival scours are common, serious respiratory
and diarrhea-related health problems may not occur until 6-8
weeks post-arrival.
Expect death losses. Currently, records indicate that the
average purchaser of feeder pigs loses 3-4% of the pigs purchased
to a variety of health causes. Many producers target death
losses at 1% of the number purchased, and then they aggressively
pursue treatment options when death loss is higher than 1.5%.
All-in/all-out management is strongly recommended. Do not
put newly arrived pigs in a facility which contains pigs from a
previous purchase. Never put purchased feeder pigs in the same
facility or on the same building site as home-raised finishing
pigs.
FREQUENT OBSERVATION IS ESSENTIAL. Close scrutiny at least
twice a day for the first few weeks and daily thereafter may
prevent a serious disease outbreak. Monitor feed and water con-
sumption, as reduced consumption of either is a sign of a prob-
lem. Provide a separate pen for sick animals. It may also be
beneficial to provide zone heat in this pen to help the sick
animal overcome the stress of illness.
Be prepared to act immediately in the event of illness. Have
personnel trained to recognize the symptoms of major growing-
finishing diseases and the most appropriate action to take in the
event symptoms appear. Do not hesitate to consult with a veteri-
narian if in doubt as to the appropriate treatment. Have necrop-
sies done on dead pigs to accurately determine the cause of death
and the most effective treatment.
The routine addition of a medication (antibiotic or other
product) to the drinking water for prevention of a health problem
is not recommended. The addition of an electrolyte product to the
drinking water at arrival has not been shown to consistently
improve performance or health to market weight. However, have a
water medication system available in the event water medication
is prescribed for the control or treatment of a specific health
problem.
Water medication equipment which allows measurement of con-
sumption is preferred. Depending on weather conditions, a 40 lb.
pig will consume nearly 1/2 gal. of water per day, with higher
consumption and waste in warm weather. If average consumption is
much less than this when water medicating, other avenues of medi-
cation should be pursued.
If palatability of the water medication is limiting intake,
a flavoring agent such as corn syrup or flavored gelatin may
increase consumption. Refrain from use of citrus flavored gelatin
as a flavoring agent since its use may result in decreased intake
due to palatability.
Avoid combining drugs or formulations unless approved on the
label or prescribed by a veterinarian. Many combinations are
incompatible in solution and the effectiveness of the combined
drugs may be reduced. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW ALL MEDICATION LABEL
DIRECTIONS AND CAUTIONS, even if you have previously used the
medication. BE AWARE OF ANY WITHDRAWAL WARNINGS PRIOR TO SALE FOR
SLAUGHTER.
The routine injection of feeder pigs with a long acting
antibiotic formulation, either prior to transport or at arrival,
has not been demonstrated to prevent or reduce subsequent health
problems or to improve performance to market. However, in a
disease outbreak, individual animals may require injections of
appropriate antibiotics. Unless special long-acting formulations
of drug products are used, these injections need to be continued
for a minimum of three days.
Treat pigs for both internal and external parasites. Treat
the pigs for worms shortly after arrival with a broad spectrum
anthelmintic if the species of worms is unknown. Plan on treating
again in 3-6 weeks to prevent reinfestation from shed eggs or
larva. Use an anthelmintic that has proven activity against whip
worms at one of these two wormings. Treat for lice and mange with
an approved product shortly after arrival. Refer to PIH-40
"External Parasite Control on Swine" and PIH-44 "Internal
Parasites" for specific recommendations.
If the feeder pigs are purchased from unknown sources,
assume the worst in terms of health. The newly arrived pigs may
be carriers of swine dysentery, pseudorabies, salmonella,
actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, TGE or other contagious diseases.
(Refer to other PIH fact sheets on these specific diseases on how
to prevent their introduction into a facility).
Because of potential disease risks to swine already on the
premises, isolation of the purchased pigs, either in separate
lots or facilities, is recommended for at least 30 days. There is
a definite financial risk to producers who purchase feeder pigs
and house these pigs adjacent to breeding stock because of the
increased health risks.
REV 6/91 (7M)
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Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics,
State of Indiana, Purdue University and U.S. Department of Agri-
culture Cooperating. H.A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette,
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