Injection Technique

• Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations on the package insert before administering the injection.
• For intramuscular injection of sows, gilts and boars use a 16 gauge 1.5 inch to 1.75 inch (38 mm to 44 mm) needle introduced at right angles to the skin.

• The correct injection site for intramuscular injections is two to three inches (50 mm to 75 mm) behind the ear, near the highest point of the base of the ear at the border of the loose fold of skin and the taut skin.
• If the injection site is too far back there is an increased risk that the product will be deposited in fat.
• If the injection site is too low there is a risk that the product will end up in the salivary gland.

Correct position, technique and angle.

Too low.

Wrong angle and too high

Too far back

Too high

• A shorter needle is generally used for subcutaneous injections; 0.5 inch to one inch needle of 18 or 19 gauge is recommended.
• The correct injection site for subcutaneous injection is under the loose skin in the hollow behind the ear. A fold of skin should be pinched between the thumb and forefinger of one hand and the needle inserted at an angle so that it runs under the skin.
• Always ensure that the injection equipment used is clean and sterile before use. When injecting batches of pigs with the same product at one time change needles after every 5 to 10 pigs.
• Always keep a sterile needle in the bottle to refill the syringe; use a different needle to inject the pigs. This reduces the risk of contaminating the vial and other pigs.