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[Streptococci or slurry pit ventilation?]
1Afdeling Varkensgezondheidszorg, Gezondheidsdienst voor Dieren, Drachten.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|May 15, 1996
Summary
Draughts from slurry pit ventilation caused mutilative behaviors like ear biting and necrosis in weaners. Modifying the ventilation system by adding flaps to block air circulation in the slurry pit resolved the issue.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
- Swine Production
Context:
- A swine operation experienced severe behavioral issues in weaners, characterized by mutilations such as ear biting and necrosis.
- These issues led to significant mortality due to Streptococcus suis type 1 infections (sepsis and meningitis) and a high prevalence of runts.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cause of disturbed behavior and mutilations in weaners.
- To identify and implement a sustainable solution to mitigate these welfare and health issues.
Summary:
- The root cause was identified as variable air distribution patterns leading to slurry pit ventilation, creating draughts.
- Medication for Streptococcus suis provided only temporary relief.
- A permanent solution involved modifying the ventilation system by installing flaps to eliminate air circulation within the slurry pit.
Impact:
- Successfully resolved mutilative behaviors (ear biting, necrosis) in weaners by addressing draughts.
- Improved animal welfare and reduced mortality associated with secondary infections.
- Demonstrates the critical link between environmental factors (ventilation, draughts) and animal behavior in swine.