Pig Drenching Techniques

The swine industry uses many pigs for providing various meats to consumers. Large quantities of livestock are susceptible to disease, such as worms. One infected pig can result in a rapidly spreading parasite throughout the entire pig group. Pig-drenching techniques aid farmers by removing the parasite, protecting the livestock group from damaging disease.

  1. Basic Drenching Action

    • Typically, pig drenching involves forced fluid down the animal's throat for the removal of worms. A farmer uses a plastic bottle, gourd or bamboo tube full of deworming solution and water. The fluid mixture enters through the pig's mouth and is subsequently swallowed. The amount of solution varies, depending on the pig's size and extent of worm infestation.

    Harnessing The Pig

    • The pig must be secured safely before applying any drenching technique. A pig's legs are delicate and the animal can be injured if forcibly caught by the legs alone. One capturing method is using a rope and two barriers. Tether the pig by the neck with the rope and secure it between two barriers, such as wooden fences. Another method requires a bucket. Place the bucket over the pig's head, shielding its eyes. Lead the pig to a secure area, away from other pigs, and tie the pig to a wooden post or fence for drenching.

    Drenching Techniques

    • Two basic techniques are successful for pig drenching. Lay the pig on its side with a helper holding it down. Hold the snout and raise the head. Place the bottle into the pig's mouth. Verify that the head remains elevated to prevent fluid from entering the pig's lungs. Drench the pig until all the solution empties into its mouth. Alternatively, allow the pig to stand. Securely attach the pig's snout to a fencepost with a strong rope. Keeping the head raised, drench the pig in the same manner as when it is laying down.

    Drenching Considerations

    • Frequent drenching can lead to parasite immunity to the deworming solution. Pig drenching should only be applied if worms are positively detected. Worm testing kits are available for farmers to individually test a pig's fecal matter for worm eggs. The worm egg quantity results notifies the farmer of the infestation extent.

    Pig Drenching Warning

    • Pigs may appear gentle and kindly, but care must be taken when handling any size pig. Keep fingers away from the mouth, placing them squarely on the above snout area when preparing to drench. Both piglets and adult pigs will bite fingers off if given the opportunity.