Thompson’s tip: Weigh before dosing

Antibiotic therapy is generally only effective if the correct dose is administered. The commonest problems arise from under-estimating the weight of pig to be treated, says Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company ACMC Ltd.

This is important on an individual basis where the injected dose must be calculated and also on a group basis where medication is by water.

The consequences of over-dosage can be toxicity and it is economically wasteful. The consequences of under-dosage are lack of effect and potential selection of antibiotic-resistant strains. This can result in subsequent lack of effect of that antibiotic on the farm. It is always best, therefore, to weigh a typical selection of the pigs to be treated.