For modern swine operations, pest management is no longer a background task; it is a direct driver of profitability. In a system where margins are tight and performance is closely monitored, even minor disruptions from pests can have significant downstream effects. If you’re seeing flies, off-feed pigs, or frustrated staff, pest pressure is already impacting performance—and costs.
What often looks like a small irritation issue is already affecting feeding behavior, labor efficiency, and daily operations.
The hidden impact on feed efficiency and growth
Lice, mites, and flies do more than irritate pigs; they disrupt growth. As Tony Morris, Director - Regional Sales, Swine for MWI Animal Health explains, “It’s almost a distraction that keeps pigs from going to the feeder and really affects their efficiency at which they grow and convert.”
What to watch for
- Pigs off feed
- Restlessness or rubbing
- Reduced time at the feeder
What it means
- Likely parasite pressure (lice or mites) disrupting feeding behavior
What to do
- Inspect animals immediately
- Treat affected groups without waiting for visible confirmation
This constant irritation reduces feed conversion efficiency and slows weight gain.
While pest-related losses may seem minor individually, they quickly scale across an operation. According to Morris, each pest can cost up to a couple dollars per head. Across an entire barn or system, those small losses can determine overall profitability.
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