Swine production management - Vaccination and medication via drinking water

The administration of vaccines and antibiotics via drinking water can reduce labor costs for the producer and decrease stress for pigs. Some water quality factors, however, can impair the effectiveness of vaccines or reduce the dose delivered to the animals. chlorine can decrease the effectiveness of modified-live bacteria vaccines, and pH affects the solubility of many medications. Water quality variables and water consumption must therefore be assessed when an administration protocol is being planned. This assessment provides an excellent opportunity for the veterinarian to address overall water management, which can have an important effect on the profitability of a swine farm. This article describes the methods for testing water quality and measuring water intake in preparation for administering vaccines or medication to pigs via drinking water. It also discusses the economics of water use and of various methods of vaccination.