What causes pigs to fight? This is how pig farmers handle it most effectively

Pork is one of the main meats in our country, and both large-scale and small-scale farming are practiced nationwide, especially in rural areas, where every household raises a few pigs as a main source of income. However, during farming, pigs often fight, causing injuries in mild cases, leaving them barely breathing in severe cases, or even death. What causes this? How should it be handled? Come to QinNongNet to see the detailed introduction.

1. High stocking density

Pigs are social animals. In the past, pig farming used a more loose method, but now, as living standards rise, the market demand for pork is large, so stocking density is also increasing. Under this farming environment, high stocking density and poor air quality are not conducive to pig growth, so pigs often develop biting and fighting behavior.

Handling method: Increase the stocking density as much as possible and avoid raising pigs in large pens. Some farmers put dozens or even hundreds of pigs in one pen, which not only leads to fighting but also makes them prone to disease, especially infectious diseases, which spread extremely easily. It is recommended to raise them in small pens, which not only makes management easier but also allows flexible monitoring of the herd's health, so problems can be solved in time.

2. Competition for food

When the herd is hungry, insufficient feed and drinking water can lead to competition for food, causing biting and fighting among the herd. Also, when feeding takes a long time, pigs easily get feed on their bodies, and some pigs that have not eaten enough will go eat the feed stuck on other pigs' bodies, which very easily leads to fighting.

Handling method: Still pay attention to stocking density, ensure sufficient feed and drinking water, and make sure every pig can eat and drink its fill, so the phenomenon of fighting over food will not occur.

3. Odor problems

Pigs have a fairly sensitive sense of smell. If a strange pig suddenly appears in the herd, its odor is different from that of the other pigs, and biting and fighting very easily occur. Also, some pigs bleed from external injuries for certain reasons, or contract certain diseases, causing changes in their odor and urine, which can also lead to fighting.

Handling method: When introducing a strange pig into the herd, pay attention to the method. Place the strange pig in the pen next to the herd so they can become familiar with its odor and avoid fighting. Once a pig is found bleeding or infected with disease, isolate it promptly: first, to avoid fighting for the time being, and second, to prevent the herd from being infected with disease.

4. Feed problems

Feed problems can also cause the herd to fight. If the feed's protein and other trace element content is too high, it causes excessive burden on or damage to the pigs' liver and kidneys, disrupts the digestive and endocrine systems, and causes problems in the pigs' mental state, often making them restless and manic, thereby causing pigs to fight. In addition, if the feed is not fresh and has spoiled or become moldy, after the pigs eat it, it leads to indigestion, gastrointestinal problems, poisoning and other conditions, thereby causing fighting.

Handling method: The feed must be evenly and scientifically matched, the feed must be fresh, and the feeding environment must be kept sanitary, keeping the pig pen clean.

The above is the causes of pigs fighting and how to handle it brought to you by QinNongNet. That is all for the introduction on pigs fighting. We hope it can help you. For more farming knowledge, please stay tuned to QinNongNet.