Do This When Raising Pigs in Winter and Piglet Survival Rates Can Be Greatly Improved

Colder weather is also a challenge for pig farmers, because if the weather is too cold, it will affect the reproductive rate of sows, and too low a temperature also affects the survival rate of piglets. So at this time, certain insulation measures should be taken.

1. Build a shed

When the weather is relatively cold, you can build another layer of shed above the pig house, because hot air rises. Normally, the hot air inside the pig house will escape from above. If another layer of shed is built, it will provide a suitable barrier, and in this way insulation can be achieved.

For the shed, wooden boards can be used directly. It does not need to look nice; the most important thing is that it is practical. After it is built, some asphalt can be applied appropriately, which has an anti-corrosion effect.

2. Spread straw

Many pig houses have concrete floors. In summer they of course feel very cool, but in winter they are very icy cold. Especially for pregnant sows, this is very stimulating, so attention must be paid to spreading something underneath. For example, spreading straw is very good; this not only lets the pigs lie on it more warmly.

In addition, it also has a moisture-absorbing effect. Also, laying some boards where the pigs rest is fine too. Sprinkle some feed on the wooden boards, and the pigs will lie over there, and then they will not defecate on them.

3. Increase density

In winter, you can actually increase the density of the pigs being raised. In this way, it can also have an insulation effect, because huddling together is warmer, and relatively speaking the area where the pigs move around is smaller. Once they are full, they lie down there, which is also very good for putting on weight.

Some pig pens in pig houses are divided into two sections. For example, the inner section is specifically for lying down, and the outer section is for defecating and eating. If designed this way, then more pigs can be driven into the inner section for lying down, and there is no need for any activity space there. The outer section for eating only needs a little activity space.

4. Keep piglets warm

Newborn piglets definitely need special care. In the cold winter, it is best to prepare a dedicated incubator, with the temperature inside reaching 30°, so that the piglets grow well.

5. Ventilation

The best way to reduce humidity in the pig house and improve the air in the pig house is ventilation and air exchange, and the most effective measure for ventilation and air exchange is to open a ventilation hole in the ceiling. Without opening doors and windows, a large amount of moisture and harmful gases in the house can be discharged as quickly as possible, and fresh air can be brought in. But ventilation must be controlled. Ventilate more on sunny and warm days, and ventilate less on cloudy and cold days, so as to coordinate ventilation and insulation.

6. Pay attention to details

In autumn and winter, the temperature difference between day and night is large, and the climate turns cold, which is a season with a high incidence of disease. Especially damp, cold concrete floors not only greatly increase the incidence of disease in the pig herd, but also reduce the feed conversion efficiency of the pigs.

We should establish the concept of effective temperature. We often overlook some factors that affect the effective temperature, such as: the effect of draft; the effect of damp concrete floors.