What Feeds Should Sick Pigs Avoid after Taking Medicine?

1. Avoid Certain Medications

It’s important to be cautious about the medications given to pigs after they have been treated. Some medications, such as antibiotics, should be administered with care. It’s recommended to avoid giving antibiotics “as a precaution,” including penicillin or any derivative of penicillin-like amoxicillin, lincomycin, erythromycin, and cephalexin specifically.

 

2. Avoid Toxic Feeds

Certain foods can be harmful to sick pigs. For example, it’s important to avoid feeding pigs chocolate, as the theobromine in chocolate can cause several health problems and even be fatal.

 

3. Avoid High-fat Feeds

Sick pigs may have a decreased appetite or digestive issues. Feeds that are highly palatable or rich, such as fatty or spicy foods, can further upset their digestive system, which finally may interfere with the absorption of certain medications.

It’s advisable to provide easily digestible, balanced, and nutritionally appropriate feeds.

 

4. Avoid Spoiled or Moldy Feeds

Sick pigs may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. It’s important to avoid feeding them spoiled or moldy feeds, as these can contain toxins or harmful bacteria that could worsen their condition.

 

5. Avoid Sugary Feeds

Consuming excessive quantities of sugary feeds can significantly hinder the health and recovery of sick pigs. Here are several key reasons:

Firstly, sugary foods can disrupt the intestine microbiota equilibrium in pigs. A healthy digestive tract microbiome is necessary for efficient nutrient absorption and general immune function. High sugar consumption can lead to an overgrowth of unsafe microorganisms, which can cause digestion issues and reduce the efficacy of medicines administered to the pigs.

Secondly, sugary diet plans can lead to hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels) in pigs. This problem can damage their body’s immune system, making them much more at risk of infections and lengthening the recovery period. Moreover, hyperglycemia can disrupt the metabolic process of certain drugs, diminishing their restorative effects.

Finally, excessive sugar consumption can create weight problems in pigs, which further complicates their health and wellness conditions. Weight problems can cause a series of second wellness issues, including joint issues and cardio stress, which can impede the pigs’ capacity to recuperate promptly from health problems.

 

6. Avoid Feeds that Contain Excessive Protein

High levels of protein can be taxing on the kidneys and liver of pigs, which may already be stressed by illness and medication.

Therefore, remember to provide a balanced diet that meets but does not exceed protein requirements.

 

7. Avoid Complex Feeds

Complex diets can be difficult for a sick pig to digest, potentially leading to gastrointestinal upset.

It is advisable to simplify the diet to include easily digestible ingredients and consider providing smaller and more frequent meals.

 

8. Avoid Highly Fermentable Carbohydrates

Feeds containing high fermentable carbohydrates can lead to bloating and digestive disturbances. Some may interfere with the medication your pigs are taking.

It should focus on providing fibrous and less fermentable carbohydrate sources.

 

9. Avoid Abrasive Feeds

If your pigs have undergone oral or dental treatment, it’s advisable to avoid feeding feeds that are abrasive or require excessive chewing. These feeds could potentially irritate the mouth or interfere with the healing process.

 

10. Notice Potential Allergens or Irritants

Pigs with specific allergies or sensitivities may need to avoid feeds that trigger adverse reactions, which could exacerbate health issues. These could include certain grains, additives, or ingredients that the pig is known to be intolerant to.

Below is a table summarizing potential allergens that need to be considered when feeding sick pigs:

Allergen Categories	Usual Sources	Notes
Proteins	Soybeans, Peanuts, Dairy Products	Protein resources, especially soy and peanuts, are typical irritants that can cause adverse reactions in some pigs.
Grains	Wheat, Corn, Barley	Grains like wheat and corn are commonly essential to pig feeds but can additionally be substantial allergens for some animals.
Additives	Artificial Colors, Flavors, Preservatives	Chemical ingredients used to boost the appeal or rack life of pig feeds can set off allergic reactions.

 

Some Common Foods that Pigs Should Avoid after Taking Medicine

Gneebio searched for information online, interviewed some experienced pig farmers, and summarized the following common foods that sick pigs should avoid after taking medicine. Hope this is helpful to your pig business:

Mung Beans	Mung beans can detoxify all kinds of poisons and medicines. They should not be eaten after pigs have taken medicine.
Sorghum	Sorghum contains tannic acid, which has a strong astringent effect. It should be forbidden to be used when pigs are taking laxatives. In addition, tannic acid can denature iron preparations and is also not suitable for consumption when treating iron deficiency anemia in pigs.
Soybeans and Bean Cakes	These two foods contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. If pigs are fed soybeans or bean cakes while taking tetracycline drugs (such as tetracycline, oxytetracycline, etc.), water-insoluble compounds may be generated, thereby reducing the efficacy. Therefore, they should not be used.
Bran	Bran is rich in phosphorus but lacks calcium. It is forbidden to use when treating rickets, osteomalacia, gallstones, and other diseases in pigs.
Malt	Malt can inhibit milk secretion. It should not be used when using lactation drugs in pigs.
Spinach	Spinach contains oxalic acid, which can form calcium oxalate precipitation with calcium. When feeding pigs with calcium feed such as shell powder, eggshell powder, and bone meal, it should be stopped.
Salt	Salt can reduce the efficacy of streptomycin, and the sodium in salt causes water to be retained in the body, causing edema. Therefore, when treating nephritis in pigs and using streptomycin, the amount of salt should be limited or stopped.
Goose Feather Feed	Because goose feather powder has a contraceptive effect, it should be prohibited to use it during the period when aphrodisiacs are used on sows.
Stone powder and Bone Meal	Because they contain more calcium, which can reduce the efficacy of oxytetracycline and tetracycline. Therefore, when feeding pigs with these two antibiotics, stone powder, and bone meal should be temporarily stopped.
Cottonseed Cake	Cottonseed cake contains the toxic substance gossypol. In addition, it can affect the absorption of vitamin A. Therefore, when vitamin A or cod liver oil is used for pigs, cottonseed cake should be limited or stopped.

 

General Care Tips on Sick Pigs Post-medication

1. Hydration: Ensure that sick pigs have access to clean and fresh water at all times to help flush out toxins and aid in recovery.

2. Monitor Feed Intake: Keep a close eye on how much the pig is eating. A decrease in appetite can be a sign of a worsening illness.

3. Consult a Veterinarian/Professional: In cases of illness, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian or related professionals for specific guidance on feeding and medication for sick pigs. They can provide both medical treatment and dietary needs based on the specific health issues and medications involved.

 

Contact a Professional for Help Right Away

If you have any questions about pig farming, you can contact Gnee Bio for a detailed consultation. Gnee Bio-technology has been a trusted veterinary drug supplier for more than 10 years. We are capable of the expertise and experience to help you.