How Are Piglets Weaned? Correct Methods and Points to Note
AbstractOne-time weaning: In the first three days before weaning, start reducing the amount of milk fed, then separate the sow and the piglets, keep the piglets on the original farrowing crate for one more week, and finally move them to the piglet nursery. Batch weaning: Wean in batches according to the piglets' feed intake, size and constitution; for those that are poorly developed or of poor constitution, extend the suckling period, and so on. Gradual weaning: Three or four days before weaning, isolate the sow nearby, then drive the sow back at feeding time, and reduce the number of suckling sessions each day until the day of weaning.
During the suckling period, the sow feeds the piglets for a certain period of time, after which they need to be weaned, and this is beneficial to the sow. There are usually several ways to wean piglets; for example, they can be weaned all at once, weaned in batches according to different conditions, or weaned gradually so that the piglets can adapt during the weaning period.
How Are Piglets Weaned
1. One-time weaning
If the piglets have already reached the weaning period, in the first three days before the planned weaning, the sow's milk supply needs to be slowly reduced, so that the piglets can gradually adapt to the process of getting less milk. Finally, the sow and the piglets need to be separated, and the piglets are kept on the original farrowing crate for one more week before being transferred to the piglet nursery. For many farmers, this method is a labor-saving and time-saving way to operate, and it is usually suitable for relatively large-scale farms.
2. Batch weaning
Weaning needs to be decided according to the actual condition of the piglets, for example the piglets' feed intake, as well as their size and constitution, to determine which ones are weaned first. Those that are poorly developed, of rather poor quality, or of weak and sickly constitution can have their suckling period extended. For piglets whose constitution is not very good, this method is usually a very good way to wean, and it also helps strengthen their resistance.
3. Gradual weaning
In the first three or four days before the piglets are weaned, the sow can be isolated nearby, and when it is time to feed, the sow is driven back. Then, the number of suckling sessions is reduced every day, until the day of weaning, when the sow and the piglets can be completely separated. This method is usually rather troublesome.
From the introduction above, do you now understand how piglets are weaned? If you want something simple and quick, you will generally choose the one-time weaning method, as this does not cause much harm to either the sow or the piglets, so you might as well give it a try.