[Experiences with pain control during piglet castration in Switzerland Part 2: Injection anesthesia]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Husbandry

Context:

• Swine production in Switzerland faces challenges with current castration practices.
• Injection anesthesia is being implemented as a potentially less painful alternative.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the practical implementation and outcomes of painless castration under injection anesthesia on Swiss swine farms.
• To identify areas for improvement in anesthesia protocols and post-operative care for piglets.

Summary:

• A survey of 30 farms and 60 farmers indicated that 34% of piglets exhibited movement during castration and 17% showed excitement during recovery.
• Physiological effects included a 3.1°C drop in body temperature and significant bleeding in 38% of piglets.
• While 82% of farmers reported good wound healing, 83% experienced piglet losses, particularly early in the anesthesia period.

Impact:

• Findings suggest that combining butorphanol with ketamine and azaperone may enhance anesthesia.
• Recommendations include providing warm, safe recovery areas to minimize injury and stress.
• Using an emasculator can help control increased bleeding during castration.