The use of an immunomodulator to enhance the reproductive performance of gilts transported for long distances from breeding to commercial units

The reproductive performance of gilts transported for long distances from t hree high-health breeding farms to six commercial arms was tested after the use of a Parapox-ovis-virus-based immunomodulator, Baypamun N (Bayer AG, G ermany). Sixty (60) gilts were injected with Baypamun N; three times (2 day s before departure, 2h before departure and 2 days after their arrival at t he commercial farms), while the remaining 60 gilts were injected with place bo at the same times. The results indicated that: (i) no adverse reactions or adverse effects were noticed related to the treatment with Baypamun N, ( ii) treatment with Baypamun N improved the reproductive performance of gilt s; the proportion of gilts farrowed/total gilts examined, the total number of piglets born, the number of piglets born alive and the body-weight of pi glets at farrowing were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and (iii) treat ment with Baypamun N reduced (p < 0.05) the cost of medication per gilt exa mined and per served gilt.