82 The Ominous Storm: How to Plan and Execute a Feeding and Management Program in Poor Health Situations

Abstract

Abstract The majority of presentations, podcasts, and panels are based on how to prevent viral and bacterial challenges within sow farm populations. However, this presentation will cover how to plan and execute a feeding and management program when poor health situations are likely and do occur. Most research is conducted on how to maximize pigs weaned per sow per year in ideal conditions; however, how should one feed and manage sows to maximize pigs weaned per sow per year when health is not ideal? What preparation steps must be taken in terms of diet formulation, characterizing body condition, feeding the individual sow, and preparing the sow and gilts immune system and microbiota before a health insult occurs? What if any management action items or formulation strategies are available to employees during and once a health challenge has occurred? How can we maximize the pigs weaned during a health challenge? Last, what should be done if the health challenge is chronic or after a health challenge is finished to return the sow herd to a high level of production? This presentation is not going to have the sole and exact answer to solve each of these critical questions. Still, it will provide multiple tools and strategies to employ before, during, and post a health challenge within a sow farm.