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A preliminary study of the effects of the anthelmintic thiophanate (‘Nemafax’) on the breeding performance of sows naturally infested with Oesophagostomum spp

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

D. M. Baines
Affiliation:
May and Baker Ltd, Fyfield Road, Ongar, Essex
P. Lake
Affiliation:
May and Baker Ltd, Fyfield Road, Ongar, Essex
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Abstract

Three trials were conducted on commercial premises using sows naturally infested with gastro-intestinal nematodes, primarily Oesophagostomum spp. In two trials the farrowing performance of sows treated approximately 7 days before farrowing with thiophanate (‘Nemafax’) in-feed at a median dosage of 62·5 mg/kg was compared with that of untreated controls. In the third trial a similar comparison was made between sows treated approximately 7 days before expected service and untreated controls. In all cases faecal egg counts indicated thiophanate was highly effective against the nematode burdens present. Administered pre-farrowing, thiophanate resulted in better pre-weaning weight gains and relatively lower creep feed consumptions of the piglets. This effect was most marked in the trial with a higher level of Oesophagostomum spp. infestation in the sows. Under similar circumstances, pre-service medication produced a response in terms of live piglets born and those surviving to weaning.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1983

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References

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