This decreases the likelihood of introducing new disease and allows ample time for the pigs to become acclimated to the recipient herd diseases. The first thirty days of the holding period, the animals are observed and tested for potential pathogens which the new stock may be bringing from the donor farm. The last thirty days are used as an acclimatization period in which the incoming animals are exposed to cull sows. This allows incoming animals to an opportunity build immunity against recipient herd diseases. Separate boots and coveralls should be used at the isolation barn.
Adequate space is critical to any successful acclimatization program.
Developing gilts within the herd requires space which is normally not available in older units. Many farms which have adopted artificial insemination are now using space allocated for boars as space for additional gilt development. Breeding barn managers should avoid the temptation to breed gilts before they have completed the designated development period. The sources of incoming breeding stock should be limited. The health status of the donor herd should be scrutinized and compared closely with that of the recipient herd.