To ensure thorough dispersion of IVOMEC Premix for Pigs it should first be mixed with a suitable quantity of feed ingredients before incorporation in the final mix. Only to be mixed with dry feed.

The recommended dose level of IVOMEC Premix for Pigs is 100 micrograms of ivermectin per kg of bodyweight fed daily for seven consecutive days.

The appropriate inclusion rate of Premix, in kg per tonne of feed, can be calculated as follows:

dose = (0.1 × weight) ÷ (6 × intake)

where

The recommended dose level of 100 micrograms of ivermectin per kg of bodyweight is obtained under most circumstances for pigs up to 40 kgs of bodyweight by including 333 g of IVOMEC Premix for Pigs in each metric tonne of final feed. The IVOMEC Premix for Pigs must be thoroughly mixed in the finished feed, and fed continuously as the only ration for seven consecutive days. In pigs weighing more than 40 kgs, average daily feed consumption may fall below 5% of bodyweight, particularly if they are on a restricted feeding programme or where pigs are fed a high protein ration. Therefore, for pigs weighing 40 kgs to 100 kgs, include 400 g of IVOMEC Premix for Pigs per tonne of final feed.

The recommended dose level for adult pigs weighing over 100kg liveweight is achieved in most circumstances by thoroughly mixing 1.67 kgs of IVOMEC Premix for Pigs in each tonne of finished feed. The resulting medicated feed should be fed at a rate of 1 kg per 100 kgs of bodyweight each day for seven consecutive days as part of the individual ration. Where medicated feed is fed as part of the ration, it is recommended that the IVOMEC medicated feed is fed first. After this is consumed, any remaining daily feed allocation should be given. This should be repeated for seven consecutive days.

Alternatively, where dry feed intake can be accurately measured and all the animals to be treated have a similar bodyweight, the inclusion rate can be calculated using the previous formula. This assumes the total ration is to be medicated.

Groups of growing pigs should be treated for seven consecutive days on transfer to clean quarters. Where an all-in-all-out system is not possible, it is recommended that the parasite control programme should start with treatment of all growing pigs already in the house.

Breeding animals: Breeding animals are treated by feeding medicated feed for seven consecutives days. At the time of initiating any parasite control programme, it is important to treat all animals in the herd. After the initial treatment, use the premix regularly as follows:

Sows: Treat preferably 14-21 days prior to farrowing to minimize infection of piglets.

Gilts: Treat 14-21 days prior to breeding. Treat 14-21 days prior to farrowing.

Boars: Treat at least 2 times per year. Frequency of and need for treatments are dependent upon parasite exposure.

Exposure of treated pigs to infected animals, contaminated premises, soil or pasture may result in re-infestation and re-treatment may be necessary.

Since the effect of ivermectin on mange mites is not immediate, avoid direct contact between treated and untreated pigs for at least one week after completion of treatment.

Since louse eggs are unaffected by ivermectin and may take up to three weeks to hatch, re-treatment may be necessary.