What to Do About Weaning Stress in Piglets? A Detailed Guide to Practical Solutions
Piglets grow by nursing from the sow after birth, but generally after a period of nursing they need to be weaned and start being fed feed, as they cannot keep nursing forever. However, after weaning, piglets are usually very uncomfortable and prone to some stress reactions. These reactions are detrimental to the piglets' growth and development, so response measures must be planned in advance to reduce the stress reactions. Next, let's take a detailed look at these aspects of stress.
1. Stress Reactions
The main symptoms of stress are diarrhea, slow growth, no growth for a long time, and emaciation; some may even become ill. They are prone to death. After being fed feed, very little of the feed is absorbed, and the conversion rate is very low. Some will stop growing and become runt pigs. The body's resistance declines, making them very susceptible to disease.
2. Enhancing Immunity
Because resistance declines, it is necessary to vaccinate against diseases that commonly occur during the stress period, such as vaccines for infectious gastroenteritis and vaccines for diarrhea. These vaccines should be injected in advance, about one month before the sow farrows. In this way, the piglets can also acquire immunity to these viruses. In addition, after birth, piglets still need to continue building up their immunity; preparations containing Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract can be fed in the feed. Other preparations are also acceptable.
3. Feeding Methods
When starting to feed feed, the piglets should first adapt to it to promote normal digestive function, so they can adapt to feed feeding. Let the piglets' intestines adapt to plant-based nutrients so no rejection reaction occurs. Feed a little at a time; provide water first, then feed. Weaning should be done slowly, gradually reducing the number of nursing times; they cannot be weaned all at once. On the last day of weaning, move the sow, not the piglets, since a new environment will also cause discomfort. Feeding should be in small amounts and multiple times. After they have adapted, feed can be given all at once.
4. Environmental Regulation
The piglets' pen needs stable temperature and humidity and cannot keep changing. If farrowing occurs in winter, attention must be paid to keeping warm, with the temperature at around 18 to 20 degrees and the humidity at around 60%; if farrowing occurs in summer, cooling and dehumidification must be done, with the temperature between 20 and 25 degrees and the humidity below 50%. Generally, what is needed is a suitable temperature and a dry environment, but the air must not be dry. Attention must be paid to disinfection: disinfect before entering, and disinfect once a week after entering as well.
Stress reactions appearing when piglets are weaned are normal, but response measures must be prepared before farrowing. After farrowing, do a good job with weaning, feeding, and disinfection work. Thank you for reading the above content, and welcome to continue your support.