IMPORTANT FACTS ON BABY PIG MANAGEMENT Part 2

IMPORTANT FACTS ON BABY PIG MANAGEMENT Part 2

11. Piglets weakened during the birth process include those that were oxygendeprived but not killed, “apparent” stillbirths that were revived, and piglets experiencing excessive physical trauma.

12. The longer a sow takes to farrow the greater the chance these problems will appear.

13. Lightweight piglets, especially those weighing less than 2.75lb at birth, are much less likely to survive to weaning than heavier piglets.

14. Splayleg is a common congenital defect observed in disadvantaged piglets.

15. Disadvantaged piglets are also slow in getting on their feet and to the udder. Their weakened state compromises their ability to compete with stronger, normal litter mates for access to teats during the first hours after birth. This reduces their intake of colostrum.

Read ALSO: IMPORTANT FACTS ON BABY PIG MANAGEMENT Part 1

16. Chilled piglets often experience a lower core body temperature which makes them susceptible to death.

17. Often these CHILLED piglets are seen shivering and huddled with litter mates, because their thermal requirements have not been met.

18. Research indicates that attending and assisting at farrowing can increase piglet survival and the number of pigs weaned.

19. By being present at farrowing, one can quickly identify disadvantaged piglets and begin to assist them. However, each producer should weigh carefully the costs and benefits of supervised farrowings.

20. Having many litters to supervise at one time (through batch farrowing or continuous farrowing in a multiple farrowing room complex) makes more efficient use of labor.

WATCH OUT FOR Part 3

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