Xiang pigs have lower cold tolerance than local pigs: key points for winter feeding

    Because Xiang pigs have lower cold resistance than local pig breeds, in winter, if insulation measures are improper, the normal growth of Xiang pigs will be affected. So how should Xiang pigs be raised in winter?

Xiang pig

    I. Insulation:

    Xiang pigs have lower cold resistance than local pig breeds. Poor insulation affects normal growth and can also cause losses. The pig house walls should be one and a half bricks or one adobe thick, tight, and free of cracks. If the walls are thin, pile more firewood and straw around them as an insulation layer. The pig house should be covered with a plastic film shed, preferably two layers. Add straw curtains on the shed at night. The shed should have ventilation holes, ventilated 1-2 times every day at noon, half an hour each time. Manure should be cleaned up promptly, and the sleeping area should have dry grass, dry leaves, and dry sawdust changed frequently. Xiang pigs that urinate in their bedding must be trained.

    II. Feed must be complete:

    Complete feed means feed that contains all the various nutrients the pig's body needs. Because Xiang pigs consume a lot of energy in winter, it is necessary to ensure they eat enough and that the feed ratio is reasonable. Feed types should be as diverse as possible so that the various nutrients can complement each other. The feed used should have good palatability. Commonly used feed ratio: corn 56%, soybean cake 15%, wheat bran 19.5%, various brans 7%, bone meal and fish meal 1% each, salt 0.5%. At different growth stages of Xiang pigs, the feed ratio should be adjusted appropriately. The principle is more concentrated feed in the early stage and less concentrated feed in the later stage. When choosing feed, adapt to local conditions and choose good-quality, low-price feed, such as tofu dregs. But tofu dregs must not exceed 1/3 of the total feed. If conditions permit, a small amount of fermented fresh chicken manure can also be mixed into the pig feed. Because Xiang pigs have the habit of eating green feed, this cannot be ignored in raising them. In winter, cabbage, radish, carrot, and potato (potato is better cooked) can be used to replace green feed. Do not feed rotten or spoiled vegetables.

    III. Feed cooked food and hot food:

    In the place of origin, Xiang pig feed is mainly cooked food. Cooked feed can improve utilization. In the cold winter, feeding cooked food can enhance the cold resistance of Xiang pigs and speed up growth. If conditions do not permit, at least feed warm food. Feed should be soaked in water in advance, and hot water added when feeding. Feeding should be timed and rationed: large pigs are fed three times, small pigs four times.

    Although the incidence of disease in Xiang pigs is low in winter, epidemic prevention should not be neglected. The pig house should be disinfected on schedule, and vaccination should begin at the end of the first lunar month, which can ensure that when winter goes and spring returns, Xiang pigs are not harmed by plague disease.