Key Points of Winter Piglet Rearing and Management Techniques
Pig farming is very common in our country, and when we raise pigs, the nursery care of piglets is very important. We should reasonably adjust piglet management methods according to seasonal changes. Among the seasons, winter is the one that requires our particular attention, because the various physiological functions of piglets are not yet fully developed, so many problems are very likely to arise. So how should piglets be managed in winter? Let's take a look together below!
1. Cold protection and warmth keeping
Piglets are relatively young in days of age, so the development of various tissues, organs and functions is relatively poor. In particular, their subcutaneous fat is not thick enough, they are easily disturbed by cold wind in winter, and their cold resistance is very poor. Therefore, in winter we should pay attention to doing a good job of cold protection and warmth keeping, comprehensively and thoroughly inspect the pig house, and prevent air leaks from openings. Then pay attention to frequently changing the bedding straw and keep the bedding straw in a dry state. If conditions permit, a warmth-keeping room can be built inside the pig pen, and in winter the piglets can be placed in the warmth-keeping room, with the temperature reasonably adjusted, so as to ensure the piglets safely overwinter.
2. Timely supplementary feeding ⟧7⟧Starting from about the fifth day after farrowing, the sow's milk yield gradually increases, and it reaches its highest milk yield in the third week. Then it begins to decline at one month, while at one month it is the period of accelerated growth for piglets. If they rely only on breast milk, it cannot satisfy the nutrients needed for piglet growth. Therefore, we should provide supplementary feed appropriately earlier, which can not only provide nutrients for piglets, but also promote the development of the piglets' digestive tract. It prevents piglets from eating things randomly and reduces the incidence of disease. About one week after birth, piglets can begin to be induced to take supplementary feed, and then the proportions of nutrients such as energy and protein can be gradually increased to promote piglet growth.
Starting around the fifth day after farrowing, a sow's milk production gradually increases, reaching its peak in the third week. It then begins to decline at one month, yet around one month is exactly when the piglets' growth speeds up. Relying on breast milk alone cannot meet the nutrition the piglets need for growth. Therefore, we should supplement feed a bit earlier, which not only provides nutrition for the piglets but also promotes the development of their digestive tract. This prevents the piglets from eating random things and reduces the incidence of disease. About one week after birth, the piglets can begin to be enticed to eat supplementary feed, and then the proportions of energy, protein and other nutrients can be gradually increased to promote the piglets' growth.
3. Environmental control
After entering winter, temperature and humidity must be well controlled for nursery piglet houses. The temperature must not be too low, to prevent piglets from cold injury and catching cold; light bulbs with higher wattage can be hung in the pig house, which can both provide light and ensure temperature. Then, while keeping warm, there should be appropriate ventilation to prevent excessive humidity in the pig house, which could cause disease in piglets. It can also effectively improve the air quality in the pig house. However, because it is winter, frequent ventilation will lower the temperature in the pig house. Therefore, be sure to properly control the relationship between temperature and ventilation.
4. Scientific weaning
The weaning time for piglets is generally at 3-4 weeks of age. Five days before preparing for weaning, the sow's feed amount should begin to be gradually reduced. Control the secretion of breast milk, increase the piglets' feed intake, and reduce stress reactions. After the piglets are weaned, the temperature should be maintained at around 25 degrees. If the temperature in the pig house is too low, it will seriously affect the growth of the piglets and may even lead to death. When feeding, pay attention to the feeding amount, following the principle of small amounts and more frequent feeding. Everyone must pay close attention when carrying out piglet weaning work in winter.
The above is a brief introduction to winter piglet rearing and management. That is all for today. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!