Weak piglets, often referred to as "weak seedlings," are those born with a weight of less than 900 grams. These piglets typically face greater challenges in survival due to their low birth weight and underdeveloped systems. However, with proper care and timely intervention, the survival rate of these weak individuals can be significantly improved. The main causes of death among weak piglets usually include: 1) being crushed by the sow; 2) dying from hypothermia; 3) starvation due to insufficient colostrum intake; and 4) hypoglycemia. To address these issues, several practical measures should be taken in the farm setting. First, maintaining adequate warmth is crucial. Newborn piglets, especially the weak ones, have very little subcutaneous fat and are highly susceptible to cold. If not properly insulated, they can quickly die from exposure. In addition, weak piglets tend to be smaller, weaker, and less active, making them more vulnerable to being crushed by the sow. Therefore, extra attention must be given to these individuals, such as using farrowing crates or separating them from the sow if necessary. Second, ensuring that the weak piglets receive enough colostrum is essential. During farrowing, it’s recommended to collect some colostrum (50-60 ml total, no more than 5 ml per teat). Before the sow starts nursing, apply about 5-10 ml of colostrum to the weaker piglets to give them a head start. It's also important to encourage the weak ones to nurse from the front teats, which are easier for them to access. Additionally, avoiding early tooth clipping and tail docking can help reduce stress and improve their competitiveness. Third, providing immediate rehydration and nutrition is vital. A mixture of 25% glucose (10 ml), camphor (2 ml), and antibiotics such as penicillin (150,000 units), streptomycin (100,000 units), or Qingda (40,000 units) can be administered via intraperitoneal injection twice daily for two days. When performing this procedure, it's important to: A. Insert the needle perpendicular to the piglet’s belly. B. Ensure strict sterilization of both the injection site and the needle—preferably using one needle per piglet. Lastly, cross-fostering is an effective strategy. Weak piglets that have already consumed at least six doses of colostrum can be grouped together and placed with a sow who has good milk production. This helps ensure they receive adequate nutrition and care. These practices are based on my own experience in pig farming and have proven to be effective in improving the survival and growth of weak piglets. I recommend trying them in your own operation to see the results firsthand.
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