Swine Production Medicine Flashcards

Which pathogen is the primary cause of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)?

Answer: Arterivirus

PRRS is caused by an arterivirus (PRRSV) affecting reproductive performance in sows and respiratory disease in growing pigs.

What is the recommended gilt development program age for first breeding in commercial swine operations?

Answer: 175–210 days

Gilts are typically bred for the first time at 175–210 days of age, after adequate exposure to boar stimulation and body weight targets are met.

Which nutritional deficiency most commonly causes posterior paresis ('downer sow syndrome') in lactating sows?

Answer: Calcium and phosphorus imbalance

Calcium and phosphorus imbalances leading to hypocalcemia are the most common nutritional cause of posterior paresis in high-producing lactating sows.

In swine, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae primarily affects which organ system?

Answer: Respiratory tract

A. pleuropneumoniae causes fibrinous, hemorrhagic, necrotizing pleuropneumonia in swine, primarily affecting the respiratory tract.

What does the term 'wean-to-service interval' (WSI) measure in swine reproductive management?

Answer: Days from weaning sows to their next successful mating

WSI measures the number of days from piglet weaning to the next successful mating of the sow, with a target of 4–7 days.

Which mycotoxin most commonly causes hyperestrogenism, vulvovaginitis, and reproductive failure in swine?

Answer: Zearalenone

Zearalenone mimics estrogen and causes hyperestrogenism, resulting in vulvovaginitis in prepubertal gilts and reproductive failure in breeding females.

What is the standard gestation length in swine, often remembered by the '3-3-3' rule?

Answer: 114 days

Swine gestation averages 114 days, remembered as 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days.