Introduction Stalosan F is a powder disinfectant that contains 85% phosphate, 10% clay, 4% iron/copper and 1% essential oils. This product that has been used in the European pig industry for over 40 years, and is currently available on the Australian market. The suppliers of the product (Chemiplas) state that this product is unique compared to other bedding conditioners available on the market, as over time it breaks down the breeding cycle of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites (internal and external). Furthermore, the absorptive capacity of the product has been shown to reduce the concentration of ammonia and moisture in the environment, and reduce the population of flies (Chemiplas, 2007). Schou and Permin( 2003) showed that Stalosan F had a sub lethal effect on the eggs of parasites that are evident in free-range poultry systems ( A. galli , H. gallinarum and C. obsignata ). Chickens within pens treated with Stalosan F harboured less adult internal parasites then their counterparts in untreated pens. The authors proposed that the Stalosan F arrested the development of larvae to adult worms within free-range chickens. Pre-weaning mortality of piglets continues to affect the Australian pig industry. One of the major causes for death and/or poor growth performance prior to weaning is pre-weaning scours. The industry is continuously researching management methods for reducing these problems. The aim of this experiment was to compare the use of Stalosan F to standard farrowing house hygiene operating procedures on piglet growth, incidence of scours and piglet mortality and morbidity. Materials and Methods This experiment was conducted at a large commercial piggery in southern New South Wales, Australia, between June and November 2007. Three hundred and sixty six Large White x Landrace gilts and sows and their litters were used in the experiment. The sows were moved into the individual farrowing pens, within a farrowing shed at approximately 110 days of gestation. 2
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