The Use of an Immunomodulator to Enhance the Reproductive Performance of Gilts Transported for Long Distances from Breeding to Commercial Units

Abstract

ContentsThe reproductive performance of gilts transported for long distances from three high‐health breeding farms to six commercial farms was tested after the use of a Parapox‐ovis‐virus‐based immunomodulator, Baypamun N (Bayer AG, Germany). Sixty (60) gilts were injected with Baypamun N, three times (2 days before departure, 2 h before departure and 2 days after their arrival at the commercial farms), while the remaining 60 gilts were injected with placebo at the same times. The results indicated that: (i) no adverse reactions or adverse effects were noticed related to the treatment with Baypamun N, (ii) treatment with Baypamun N improved the reproductive performance of gilts; the proportion of gilts farrowed/total gilts examined, the total number of piglets born, the number of piglets born alive and the body‐weight of piglets at farrowing were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and (iii) treatment with Baypamun N reduced (p < 0.05) the cost of medication per gilt examined and per served gilt.