SPRING SUMMER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Scours or diarrhoea is one of themost common health problems in newborn and young pigs. Scours can cause dehydration, reduced feed intake, weight loss, and death. While scours pose a significant risk to the productivity and overall profit of a piggery, the causes are often complex due to a combination of infectious agents, environmental challenges, nutritional, andmanagement practices. Correct feeding strategies can reduce the risk of scours, not just through the composition of the feed, but also through the feeding practices adopted at farm level. Feeding practices to reduce scours in piglets Joshua de Kock – Technical Advisor: Monogastric Cleaner housing Clean housing is essential for piglet health because young pigs have underdeveloped immune systems, making them highly susceptible to bacterial infections like E. coli , Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens, all of which thrive in dirty, damp environments. Accumulated faeces, soiled bedding, and wet floors create ideal breeding grounds for pathogens that cause scours, leading to higher mortality, poor growth, and reduced profits. Regular removal of waste, thorough cleaning and disinfection between batches, proper drainage, and adequate ventilation to control humidity dramatically reduce bacterial load and break disease cycles. Cracks in floors or housing are often places where bacteria thrive, because moisture is trapped and those areas are difficult to clean thoroughly. Investing in good hygiene strategies and housing pays off directly, with healthier piglets gaining weight faster, fewer veterinary interventions, and reaching market weight more efficiently. www.agribonus.co.za Spring/Summer 2026 BONUS 119