What causes hair loss in sows?

The breeding of sows is tied to the development of the entire pig herd, but in this process, without proper management measures, many complex problems will arise. What is going on with sow hair loss?

1. What is going on with sow hair loss

The causes of sow hair loss may be parasites on the skin such as swine sarcoptic mange mites or pig lice, or a deficiency of the trace element zinc.

2. How to treat sow hair loss

1. If a sow has pig lice or swine sarcoptic mange mites, the sick pig will itch and rub everywhere, often leading to skin bleeding, hair loss and peeling skin, and even dermatitis.

(1) For pig lice or pig fleas, the pig's body can be rinsed with % potassium permanganate water, the parasitic sites sprayed with 3% lysol, or trichlorfon can be simmered in clear oil, then left to cool and applied to the parasitic sites.

(2) For swine sarcoptic mange mites, the pig's body can be brushed with amitraz or Chulailing, once every two days; ivermectin can be injected intramuscularly at 0.3 mg/kg, repeated once after seven days; levamisole hydrochloride tablets can be fed to pigs at 8 mg/kg; or a 1%-2% trichlorfon aqueous solution can be sprayed, repeated once after 10 days.

2. Zinc deficiency in sows can cause skin inflammation, scabbing, hair loss and even stopped growth.

Electrolyte multivitamins can be added to the feed or drinking water, and the daily ration can be adjusted to appropriately supplement zinc sulfate, zinc carbonate or zinc oxide to balance the zinc ratio, at 100 mg/kg for sows.

3. Common skin diseases in pigs

In addition to the above skin diseases, which are relatively common, sows may also suffer from other skin diseases.

1. Exudative epidermitis in pigs

It occurs mostly in piglets. First, dotted erythema appears on the snout and eyelids of the piglets, then turns into black scurf, and next an oily, sticky, slippery exudate appears over the whole body; the mucus dries together with the bedding into lumps that stick to the skin and form black scabs.

Prevention and treatment: strictly isolate sick pigs and thoroughly disinfect the pig house. Soak the body of affected piglets in 0.1% potassium permanganate water for 1-2 minutes, clean the lesions on the head with medicinal cotton dipped in potassium permanganate water, then wipe dry, air dry and apply gentian violet. For a few newly appearing lesions, applying gentian violet directly has a very good effect. Inject each sick pig intramuscularly with 50,000 units of penicillin, twice a day, for 3-5 consecutive days.

2. Necrobacillosis

Necrobacillosis is a chronic infectious disease shared by livestock and poultry. It is characterized by tissue necrosis, and the more common disease type is necrotic dermatitis. It occurs mostly in pig purchasing yards and temporary sheds at pig gathering places.

Prevention and treatment: keep the pig house dry and deal with external injuries promptly. Generally, first scrape off the scabs, rinse with hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate water, then apply antibiotic ointment.

3. Swine pox

It is mainly transmitted through damaged skin or mucous membranes, and can also be transmitted through the respiratory tract and digestive tract. In addition, external parasites such as pig lice, mosquitoes and flies can also participate in transmission. The affected skin is located on the back, abdomen, groin and inner thighs. The lesions begin as papules, then develop into vesicles. The vesicles rupture easily, and if secondary infection occurs, pustules will form. After the vesicles often rupture, scabs form. Swine pox often occurs in piglets aged 1-2 months, and adult pigs are less commonly affected.

Prevention and treatment: do a good job of pig house sanitation, disinfect regularly, and do a good job of fly control and lice elimination. Newly purchased pigs should first be raised in isolation for 1-2 weeks, sick pigs should be isolated for treatment, the affected parts should be rinsed with 0.1% potassium permanganate solution and then coated with iodine glycerin, the environment and equipment contaminated by sick pigs should be thoroughly disinfected, and the bedding straw should be burned.

Overall, many diseases pose a greater threat to piglets, so during the breeding process, the sanitation of the breeding site must be well managed.