MANAGEMENT
PIH-20
pork industry handbook
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
Management of Newly Purchased Feeder Pigs
Authors
Fred Giesler, University of Wisconsin
Norbert Dahlke, D.V.M., Manitowoc, Wisconsin
William Luce, Oklahoma State University
Paul Schink, DePere, Wisconsin
Reviewers
William R. Malbon, Jr., Virginia Beach, Virginia
Keith Myers, Grundy Center, Iowa
Mac Whiteker, University of Kentucky
All shipped feeder pigs are subject to the stresses of fatigue, hunger, thirst, temperature changes, ration changes, different surroundings and social problems. Almost every group has a shipping fever reaction. Care of newly arrived pigs must be directed to relieving the stresses and treating the shipping fever correctly and promptly.

To give yourself the best chance for success with newly purchased feeder pigs, put your emphasis on these points:

1.	A dry, draft-free, well-bedded facility.
2.	A specially formulated starter ration.
3.	Adequate intake of medicated water the first week.
4.	Prompt and correct treatment of sick pigs.

Arrival on Farm
Check the pigs carefully on arrival at your farm, and reject those which do not appear as described by the seller. In most instances, suppliers provide no warranty, expressed or implied, for performance or health of the pigs after they have been accepted by the producer.

Facilities and equipment to receive the pigs should be prepared well in advance. Feed should be mixed and medication should be ready for the water. Provide newly purchased pigs with a clean, dry, disinfected environment. Disinfectants quickly neutralize when applied to dirty or manure-covered floors. Apply cresylic acid, iodine or phenol-derivative disinfectant to all surfaces and equipment.

Allow pigs to rest in a clean, dry, draft-free, well-bedded facility, isolated for a minimum of 3 weeks from all other pigs on the farm. The optimal temperature of the area is 75 F. Auxiliary heat will be necessary at certain times of the year to maintain this temperature. This facility should be located where pigs can be observed several times a day for the first 10-14 days. It is not generally recommended that feeder pigs under 70 lb. be placed on totally slatted floors.
Where more than one pen is used, sort pigs by size into pens. New animals should be grouped with no more than 50 pigs per pen. This reduces stress and makes observation of the pigs easier. Provide a separate hospital pen for sick pigs.
Quality feeder pigs, properly managed, will begin to reach 220 lb. on the following schedule, depending on your management techniques and weather conditions.
Initial pig weight	Days to 220 lb.
40 lb.	110 days
50 lb.	105 days
70 lb.	90 days
100 lb.	70 days
Floor Space
Upon arrival, provide at least 4 sq. ft. for 30-50 lb. pigs and 5 sq. ft. for 50-80 lb. pigs. Providing additional space is beneficial for heavier or stressed animals.

Water Medication
Water medication is a must. It is often desirable that newly purchased feeder pigs have access to clean, unmedicated water for 12-24 hours after arrival; and then begin medicating. Allow one waterer for each 25 pigs. A palatable product containing the products of the sulfa group and electrolytes, or water-soluble antibiotics and electrolytes, should be supplied in a tank or by any other means in which actual water consumption can be measured. A pig will normally consume approximately 2 times as much water as feed. This is approximately Vs gal. per day for a 40-lb. pig, depending on weather conditions. If the medicated water consumption is below this amount, the pigs are not receiving the required medication level, and you should consider changing to a more palatable product, or adding a flavor enhancer (Jello) to make the
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. G. Diesslin, Director, West Lafayette, Ind. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex or national origin.