Question

What is correct for improving economic gains in swine?
Statement I: Flushing follows breeding of females.
Statement II: Coating of ferrous sulfate solution on teats follows farrowing.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statements I and II are correct
• B. Both Statements I and II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Flushing = Before breeding (increases ovulation).
Iron supplementation (ferrous sulfate or iron dextran injection) = Immediately after farrowing (prevents piglet anemia).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Swine production relies on management practices that optimize litter size, piglet survival, and growth rates to improve profitability.
Key management practices include nutritional adjustments and preventing neonatal deficiencies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I describes "flushing," which is the practice of increasing feed intake and nutrient density in gilts or sows.
Flushing is performed 10 to 14 days before breeding to stimulate higher ovulation rates and larger litter sizes.
Increasing feed after breeding can increase embryonic mortality; therefore, flushing does not follow breeding.
This makes Statement I incorrect.
Statement II refers to iron-deficiency anemia in newborn piglets, commonly known as "thumps."
Piglets are born with minimal iron reserves, and sow's milk contains very little iron.
To prevent anemia, a common management practice after farrowing is painting or coating the sow's teats with a ferrous sulfate solution, which the piglets ingest while nursing.
Therefore, Statement II is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is incorrect because flushing must precede breeding, and Statement II is correct because applying ferrous sulfate to the teats prevents piglet anemia.