Comparison of PCV2 vaccines in two commercial farms in the Philippines

In this study, we compared the production performance of PCV2 vaccinated animals in terms of weight gain, average daily gain and mortality in two commercial farms. One farm vaccinated with Circovac (Merial Animal Health) and the other with Fostera PCV (Zoetis Animal Health) at 3 weeks of age. Both of these vaccination programs were compared against Porcilis® PCV (MSD Animal Health). The farms, which are located in the northern part of Luzon, use conventional housing in farrow to finish operation.

One hundred eighty (180) pigs in each farm were included in the study and were divided into two groups. Vaccination was done at 3 weeks of age. In Farm A, 90 pigs were vaccinated with CircoVac 0.5 mL, IM and the other 90 pigs with Porcilis PCV 2 mL, IM. In Farm B, 90 pigs were vaccinated with Fostera PCV 2 mL, IM and the other 90 pigs with Porcilis PCV 2 mL, IM. Data set of parameters such as body weights and mortalities were obtained. Observation was done from 3 weeks of age until harvest time. Body weights were measured at time of vaccination and harvest. Mortalities were recorded during the whole duration of the study. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney Test for comparison on a group basis.

Among the parameters, mortality rate were significantly lower (P< 0.05) in Porcilis PCV (8%) vaccinated group in Farm B compared to Fostera PCV (14%) vaccinated group. However, this difference was not significant in Farm A compared to CircoVac (3% vs 6% Porcilis PCV) vaccinated group. For the ADG, no significant difference was observed in Farm A. However, there is a significant difference of 0.33 kgs found in Farm B. Porcilis PCV vaccinated group yielded 5.10 kgs higher harvest than Fostera PCV vaccinated group.

The study demonstrated that there were significant differences in mortality rates and in average daily gain in Farm B, while theses parameters were only numerically different in Farm A. The higher % mortality in Porcilis PCV pigs in Farm A could not be explained. In summary, Porcilis PCV vaccination at 3 weeks of age improved production parameters under the conditions tested.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.