KGB feed intake problems

[Kalaw]

I've got two gilts, both mid-January born crossbreds. Current weights are 175 and 198. Both were eating well and gaining well until we went to our first jackpot show three weeks ago. While they suffered a bit as a result of that trip (off feed and dark runny poop for a couple of days) they seemed to clear it on their own but their appetites have never come back. Each have gained a total of 15 pounds over the last three weeks. I feed a 50/50 mix of HSC 809 and Showrite 17.5, with two Tums to each pig at each feeding to keep any ulcer issues at bay. I have tried feeding it wet, feeding it dry, adding fat, not adding fat .....they just have little to no interest. I have to get them up when I feed as they are not acting hungry and looking for feed even if I remove what they don't each after 20 minutes (feed twice a day, 12 hours apart). They are not cleaning up 2 pounds of feed between the two of them at a feeding. I've got 40 days to go until fair....what can I do to get these pigs back eating good????

[kgb]

It sounds like you need to get some antibiotics in them. Either injectable or water soluble.

[Kalaw]

Would Tylan be a good choice? If not, what would your recommendation be?

[Pac]

I'm not sure that KGB will give you antibiotic advice, except to call a vet. Linocmix has always worked well for us with those sympotms. 2 day withdrawal and 3-4 day treatment. At the same time as the linco treatment we use Vita Charge liquid boost squirted in the back of the mouth to get that appetite back. Tylan could work, but it takes a lot of the injectable, I think it's 1ml for every 20lbs with no more than 5ml per injection site. If you have water soluble that would be best with the linco. Not sure the withdrawal on the Tylan.

[kgb]

You are correct I suggest contacting your local Vet. Injectable antibiotics are still sold over the counter and do not require a VFD. Personally, I think we have well over used both Linco and Tylan. It's probably going to require something like Nuflor Gold. Or, something else.

[Pac]

Now that it's out of the feeds doesn't it make Linco more effective?

[kgb]

It's been out of the feed for 8 months (HSC), and was fed and injected it for 20 maybe 25 years.

[Kalaw]

Well happy to report that after a couple of doses of Tylan 200, they are back to eating good !

[kgb]

Excellent. They probably picked up a big at the show you we're at. File that away in your memory backs.