There are five things to fear in pig farming, and farmers need to take precautions

First, fear of cold. The suitable growth temperature for pigs is 32°C~35°C for newborn piglets, 20°C~22°C for nursery pigs, and 15°C~20°C for medium and large pigs. Low temperatures have a serious impact on pig growth and weight gain. When the pig house temperature is below the lower limit of the suitable temperature, for every 1°C decrease, the daily weight gain decreases by 17.8 grams; if the house temperature drops below 4°C, the weight gain rate decreases by 50%, and feed consumption increases by more than double. Therefore, in winter, pig houses should strengthen warmth retention, reduce the metabolic consumption of pigs, and improve breeding efficiency.

Second, fear of cold water and feed. In winter, the temperature of drinking water and feed for pigs is closely related to their growth, development, and health. When the water temperature and feed temperature are 0°C, raising these water and feed temperatures to the body temperature level of 39°C means the pig body must consume 682~878 kilocalories of heat energy, which is equivalent to 0.5~0.75 kg of concentrated feed being wasted daily just to maintain body temperature. Therefore, when raising piglets and sows in winter, it is best to feed warm feed and warm water, with the water temperature kept at around 37°C.

Third, fear of dampness. When the ambient temperature inside the house is relatively low, high relative humidity seriously affects pig production performance, especially causing greater harm to piglets. In pig houses with high relative humidity in winter, the average weight gain of piglets is about 48% lower than that of the control group, and they are prone to diarrhea, enteritis, and other diseases. The suitable growth humidity for different pigs is 50%~70% for piglets, 70% for 40~80 kg fattening pigs, 80% for 80~110 kg fattening pigs, and 55%~80% for breeding sows. Inside the house, measures such as ventilation, increased lighting, and adding more warm bedding can be used to prevent dampness and keep it dry.

Fourth, fear of disease. If the pig house temperature is low, humidity is high, sanitation is poor, and ventilation is poor in winter, pigs are susceptible to disease. Therefore, feeding management must be strengthened, the pens must be kept ventilated, clean, and dry, and the pens must be disinfected regularly, preferably using the flame disinfection method. At the same time, the "five observations" should be carried out, namely observing appearance, observing spirit, observing feed intake, observing feces and urine, and observing breathing. Once a pig becomes ill, it should be diagnosed promptly and isolated for treatment as early as possible.

Fifth, fear of wind. In severe winter, pigs are most afraid of "draft wind" and "sneak wind," which not only lower the house temperature but also more easily cause pig colds, stroke, rheumatism, and other diseases. In winter, pig houses must block wind holes, hang straw curtains, seal windows, and close doors and windows tightly to prevent "sneak wind" from blowing in through rat holes, cracks, gaps, broken roofs, door edges, window seams, and other openings in the pen, which affects the normal growth and development of pigs. Wanguo