What are the precautions for long-distance transport of live pigs? Keep these key points in mind
Pig farming is a major livestock project in China, and the scale of pig farming in China is also very large. Once pigs reach a certain size, sending them to market is the first choice. For some farmers, pigs need to be transported to very distant areas. Therefore, pigs require long-distance transport, and during long-distance transport there are many points that require our attention. So let's take a look together below at the precautions for long-distance transport of live pigs!
1. Transport method
When transporting live pigs over long distances, the transport method is the most important thing. We must choose the transport method according to the transport distance, and this is also the main factor we must consider first. The truck used for transport must be kept clean and disinfected, and the transport equipment must be laid out properly before loading the pigs. If transport is carried out in hot weather such as summer and the ground is relatively smooth, then we should also spread wet sand on the truck. On the contrary, in winter, an appropriate amount of bedding straw should be laid down for warmth, to prevent the pigs from catching cold and getting sick.
2. Feeding and drinking water
During long-distance transport, we must also pay attention to controlling the pigs' feeding and drinking water. Pigs that need to be transported must not be fed too full, and fasting should begin about 10 hours before transport. If the transport time exceeds 10 hours, then a small amount of feeding should be given during transport. Although feeding should be avoided, drinking water is still very important. During transport, in order to reduce the stress response of the live pigs, maintaining adequate drinking water is crucial. And if the piglets are fed too full when loaded onto the truck, it will cause diarrhea, frequent urination and other phenomena in the live pigs, which will have a relatively large impact on them.
3. Keep the pigs quiet
When we are preparing to transport live pigs or are in the middle of transport, we must pay attention to doing a good job of caring for the pigs. The live pigs must not be too agitated or excited, otherwise it will lead to increased loss of the live pigs or a rise in the mortality rate. Although loading and unloading the live pigs may be somewhat inconvenient, you must also remember not to let the live pigs be frightened, and do not whip them. Even if guidance is needed, the tools used are best soft tools such as canvas straps for guiding.
4. Other precautions
When transporting live pigs, we must pay attention to ensuring compliance with the requirements of the health certificate, to avoid affecting the transaction or delaying the transport work. If live pigs need to be transported together with other animals, then each type must be separated. And boars, sows and so on must also be noted and separated. Then note that transport must not be carried out in extreme weather, as extreme weather has a very large effect on the shrinkage rate and mortality rate of live pigs.
The above is a brief introduction to the precautions for long-distance transport of live pigs. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!