To improve survival and performance rates, how many days before and after farrowing should antibiotics be used in the rations?

Using antibiotics in the rations of animals around the time of farrowing is a strategy aimed at improving both the survival rates of piglets and the overall performance of sows. The time frame recommended for administering antibiotics before and after farrowing is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.

The correct timeframe of 7 days before and 14 days after farrowing is based on veterinary research which indicates that this duration allows for the development of adequate antibiotic levels in the sow’s system and subsequently transferred to piglets, thus reducing the risk of infection during the critical post-birth period. The pre-farrowing treatment helps to prepare the sow’s environment and immune system for the stress of farrowing, while the post-farrowing treatment helps to combat potential infections that could compromise the sow's health and the growth of the piglets.

This approach ensures that the antibiotics are present during the most critical phases of farrowing, maximizing their benefits in enhancing health outcomes for both the mother and offspring. Research supports this specific duration, showing improved health metrics in sows and reduced mortality rates in piglets when following this protocol. The other options do not align with established veterinary guidelines or research on optimal pre and post-farrowing antibiotic application.