Bratislava can cost you 6% of the contribution

Long-standing problems with returners,low rates of total born and several stillborn pigs may be caused by an infection in the sows with Bratislava. And it costs productivity.

Bratislava is a leptospiric bacterium. The bacterium is found in 60 - 80% of sow herds, and in each herd approx. 30% of the blood samples show reaction. The fact that Bratislava is found in blood tests does not necessarily mean that there is a disease problem.

Your herd may have a more or less hidden reproduction problem.

Indeed, a survey of sow herds has shown that herds with Bratislava have a decreased pregnant rate of 4 percentage points, a decreased farrowing rate of 4.3 percentage points and 0.16 more stillbirths per farrowing. The herds with Bratislava are here compared to herds without the bacterium, and both groups of herds were not selected on the basis of reproductive problems. Thus, your herd may have a more or less hidden reproduction problem.

The financial loss

The 4% returners are converted to a minimum of 0.84 wastage days and then cost 6 Euro. A reduced rate of departure of 4.3% corresponds to 16 Euro. 0.16 stillbirths per litter cost 11 Euro. A total of 33 Euro per year.

Your consultant can assess the herd's reproduction rate, risk of Bratislava infection and possibly initiate a treatment program. The program may include the individual animal or all pregnant animals.

YOU CAN DO THAT

Once a gilt  or sow has absorbed the bacteria through the mouth, Bratislava finds its way to the animal's urinary tract and should. In the broth, the bacterium can kill fetuses. Either early with orbits or later with stillbirths.

A good housing hygiene can reduce a possible problem and will be preventive. If your herd has low reproduction numbers, and the herd is at risk of a Bratislava infection, a treatment may be needed.

Leptospires can be treated with antibiotics. The bacterium is so-called gram-negative and therefore one uses only a limited range of antibiotics. Typically, it needs to be dealt with for a period of time and maybe with a type that costs extra on the yellow card.

For many years there has been an opportunity to vaccinate as a preventative treatment. Upon vaccination, all ready-to-live and pregnant animals are treated and the herd gains a wide immunity to leptospires. All vaccination planning must be done in collaboration with your consultant.

The calculated figures of 33 Euro are based on feed prices for December 2018, as well as a price of 22 Euro per piglet of 7 kg. So if your selling price is higher than 22 Euro, then your loses will also be higher

Do you want to know if you have the Bratislava bacteria .?

Do you want to know how to improve the hygiene on your farm

Do you want to improve your productivity 

Then contact us at 

http://pfms.mozello.com/contact/