What are the precautions for raising piglets in the early stage
Piglets are very fragile in the early stage, and in order for them to grow better, every aspect needs fairly meticulous attention. From the living environment to the later stage of penning, there are particular points to observe. Let's take a look at these precautions together with the editor below.
1. Temperature control
The first thing is temperature control. In the first week after birth, piglets have no resistance to temperature at all. The temperature should be lowered slowly as the piglets grow. Newborn piglets have just left the warmth of the mother's body, so their temperature requirements are higher. To make their living temperature closer to that of the mother's body, the temperature at this time should be kept at around 30°C. After one week they gradually adapt to the outside temperature, and at this point the temperature should be appropriately lowered to around 24°C-28°C. After about one month, they can be raised at the same temperature as adult pigs.
2. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is always an area that farmers pay close attention to, because breast milk has a great influence on piglets in the later stage. After newborn piglets are wiped clean, it is best to place them immediately at the sow's nursing area. Many people overlook this, yet the colostrum at this time is the best milk a piglet will get. Over the following days the piglets barely move, so the piglets must be placed manually at the sow's nursing area. Some people only notice this after some time has passed, which can have a profound effect on the piglets. Weaning time should be controlled at one month after birth.
3. Tail docking of piglets
After one week, piglets gradually begin to move around, and at this point they develop a habit of liking to bite things, so this is the best time for tail docking. Some farmers fail to dock the tails in the early stage, which leads to the pig tails being gnawed by other pigs later and thus causes unnecessary losses. At this time, because of their nursing needs, the piglets are basically gathered together, and during feeding some piglets slowly twist and turn, causing them to accidentally bite other piglets' tails, and in the end they may even bite them off. For the health of the piglets, it is best to choose tail docking.
In summary, everyone now knows that piglets in the early stage require careful management, especially during the period from one week to one month. This period determines the piglets' later growth potential, so it is recommended that at this time you be thorough in terms of nutrition and hygiene and safety. This lays a good foundation for fattening the piglets.