Pig Needle Usage Reference Chart, with Common Types and Lengths

SummaryPigs from birth to 10 kg: the commonly used needle length is 0.5-0.75 inches, and the needle gauge is 20-21. Pigs of 10-30 kg: the commonly used needle length is 0.75-1 inches, and the needle gauge is 18-19. Pigs of 30-100 kg: the commonly used needle length is 1-1.25 inches, and the needle gauge is 18. Pigs over 100 kg: the commonly used needle length is 1.25-1.75 inches, and the needle gauge is 16.

1. Common Needle Types and Lengths for Pigs

1. For pigs from birth to 10 kg, the commonly used needle length is 0.5-0.75 inches, and the needle gauge is 20-21.

2. For pigs of 10-30 kg, the commonly used needle length is 0.75-1 inches, and the needle gauge is 18-19.

3. For pigs of 30-100 kg, the commonly used needle length is 1-1.25 inches, and the needle gauge is 18.

4. For pigs over 100 kg, the commonly used needle length is 1.25-1.75 inches, and the needle gauge is 16.

2. Choosing the Injection Method

There are generally four methods of drug injection, among which intramuscular injection and subcutaneous injection are more commonly used, while intraperitoneal injection and intravenous injection can only be performed by a veterinarian or under veterinary supervision.

3. Calculating the Injection Dose for Each Pig

Medication needs to follow the instructions for the vaccine or veterinary drug. Generally, the dose is expressed per unit of body weight (kg) and as the dose to be injected (ml). Milliliters are written as “mL” or “ml” (1 ml = 1 cc). The method for calculating the dose to be injected for each pig is as follows.

1. The pig's body weight is expressed in kilograms (kg).

2. The dose needs to be determined, and it is generally written in the instructions.

3. Calculate how many milliliters (ml) need to be injected into each pig at the recommended dose.

4. Choosing the Syringe

Syringes come in different sizes, and their materials are generally glass, metal, and plastic. Only by choosing a syringe of the appropriate size can accurate injection of the product be ensured. During this process, a durable and easy-to-use syringe needs to be selected.

5. Choosing the Needle to Use

1. Needles also differ in diameter (gauge) and length. Generally, when selecting a needle, the diameter and length of the needle and the characteristics of the product to be injected need to be considered. The general rule is to choose a needle with as small a diameter (largest gauge number) and length as possible.

2. There are currently two types of needles on the market. The first is a reusable needle with a metal base; the other is a single-use needle with a plastic or aluminum base. However, no matter which type of needle is used, it needs to be detectable by the metal detectors at meat plants.

6. Injection Precautions

When using a syringe fitted with a needle, load an appropriate amount of the drug and make sure there is no gas in the barrel. Hold the barrel upright and tap it lightly to let bubbles rise, then gently push the plunger to expel the air. Restrain the pig so that the injection can be performed accurately and make sure the injection site is clean. During this process, insert the needle quickly and steadily and inject the drug.

7. Handling Broken Needles

If a needle breaks off inside the pig's body, the pig needs to be permanently marked, such as with an ear tag. The diameter (gauge) and length of the needle, the brand or type, and the insertion site, such as the neck, shoulder, or rump, as well as the person responsible and the person reporting it, must also be recorded. Then the detailed information of the pig with the needle inside its body should be provided to the pig buyer or slaughterhouse.