The influence of p. p. E-coli booster on the weaning to estrus intervals and on the farrowing rate of the sows

In a large pig production unit, with high prevalence of E. coli caused post partal urogenital diseases of the breeding animals and diarrhoea of the pig lets, the pregant sows received during their late pregnancy a Porcovac plus (R) E. coli vaccination. The vaccinated sows were assigned to two experimen tal groups and were treated postpartal (p. p.) as follows: Group 1 (421 sows): received an E. Coli booster on the first p.p day Group 2 (299 sows): received a booster on the 7th p. p. day The following-parameters were evaluated: A: Weaning - estrus - intervals B: Farrowing Rate The results showed a significant (p < 0,05) shorter weaning estrus - interv al (Parameter A) in group 1 when compared to group 2 (7,21 +/- 1,04 vs. 9,8 4 +/- 1,11). Regarding parameter B (farrowing rate) the groups showed no si gnificant difference (group 1: 89,9 % vs. group 2: 91,8 %). It is the opini on of the authors that in large pig production units with high incidence of urogenital diseases an early p. p. E. coli Booster should be performed, be cause of its positive effect on the weaning - estrus - intervals.