Effect of various stocking methods and extra-label PRRS vaccination on average daily gain

SAS: Iowa Select Farms, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126, e-mail: [email protected]; JJZ: Iowa State University; MBR: NOBL Laboratories orcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) was first reported in the United States in 19871,2 and has since become widespread throughout the swine-producing areas of the country.3 The two main strategies used to limit losses to PRRS virus (PRRSV) infections are changes in management techniques and/or vaccination. One management technique developed to reduce losses from PRRS infections is the McREBELTM (Management Changes to Reduce Exposure to Bacteria to Eliminate Losses from PRRS) procedure,4 which was designed to reduce death losses resulting from secondary bacterial infections. McREBEL uses several strategies, including limiting the amount of cross fostering between litters, reducing the handling and injecting of pigs, and discontinuing the practice of feedback to sows and gilts.