On arrival (First two weeks)

1

Ideally separate by 50 meters

2

Attempt to climatize the animals to the new environment. Initially attempt to simulate the original environment.  Make changes gradually.

3

Pay particular attention to:

- Cooling systems and water supply

- If possible, have bagged feed from original farm or make attempts to match original feed.

- If pigs come from a straw based system, utilize straw or solid flooring before introducing to slatted systems

4

The animals may require antimicrobial or additional vaccine therapy following introduction, please discuss with the practice

5

It is essential to use new needles, syringes and medicines for each boar and record all signs of disease.  A boar with a temperature can be infertile for 6 weeks.

6

To control gastric ulceration provide coarse diet of >700 mm for at least 4 weeks.  Note that a gastric ulcer can start after 24 hours of not eating.

2nd to 4th week post-introduction

1

Introduce cull adult or grow/finish stock to the new arrivals (for on farm studs only).

On AI studs, introduce feces from the main stud to the corner of each boar dunging area three times a week to ?break down? the new boars to the environment of the stud.

2

Change over the environment to match local conditions

3

It may be necessary to medicate the pigs depending on how they respond to the new diseases

4 to 8 weeks post introduction

Remove grow/finish animals to allow the new pigs time to recover from any illness (for on-farm studs only).

On AI studs, cease introduction of feces from the main stud

• Discuss with source herd(s) regarding any problems that have occurred on the unit over the last 8 weeks, ideally obtain written confirmation of lack of problems by fax.

• Introduce into the herd

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect isolation quarters

• Record all signs of illness over the 8 week period