The early stage of a piglet's life, from birth to weaning, is the most fundamental and critical phase in the pig industry. However, due to their unique physiological characteristics, suckling pigs are highly susceptible to environmental stress, nutritional challenges, and immune system development issues. These factors often lead to illness and a mortality rate ranging between 10% and 20%. Therefore, proper care and management during this period are essential for the health and survival of the piglets. Based on years of experience in pig farming, the key to raising healthy suckling pigs lies in mastering the "three critical stages": the birth process, feeding practices, and the weaning transition.
First, ensuring a smooth and safe birth is crucial. Immediately after birth, the breeder should clear the nasal mucus from the piglet to ensure it can breathe properly. The body should then be wiped with a clean cloth. Next, the umbilical cord should be cut, with the blood squeezed into the piglet’s abdomen before cutting at 4 cm from the belly. If bleeding occurs, it should be tied and disinfected with iodine. The piglet’s teeth should also be clipped using sterilized tools to prevent biting injuries. Tail docking is another important practice, performed within three days of birth, about 3-4 cm from the tail base. All procedures must be done under strict hygiene conditions to prevent infections such as tetanus, streptococcus, and omphalitis.
Another vital step is ensuring that piglets receive enough colostrum. Colostrum, the yellowish milk produced by the sow in the first few days, is rich in antibodies that help build immunity. After birth, all piglets should be guided to nurse from the sow’s teats. To improve uniformity and reduce mortality, weak piglets should be placed near the front teats, while stronger ones take the back ones. This helps ensure every piglet gets adequate nutrition.
Iron and selenium supplementation is also necessary. Suckling pigs have low iron stores, making them prone to anemia and other health issues. A daily iron requirement of 5–10 mg is needed, but only 1 mg is obtained through milk. Therefore, an injection of 150–200 mg of iron should be given within the first three days. For selenium deficiency, 1 ml of 0.1% sodium selenite is recommended within the first three days, with a second dose at 15 days of age.
Maintaining a warm environment is essential for newborns, as they have poor temperature regulation. The farrowing room should be kept at 18–22°C with 65–75% humidity. Newborns should be placed in an incubator or under infrared lamps. The ideal temperature gradually decreases over the weeks: 35°C in the first week, 31°C in the second, 27°C in the third, 25°C in the fourth, and 21°C in the fifth. Proper insulation reduces stress, prevents diarrhea, and improves survival and weight gain.
Additional measures include keeping the farrowing area clean and regularly disinfected. Sow limiters can be used to prevent crushing, and boars should be castrated around 20 days of age. Vaccinations against swine fever and paratyphoid should be administered timely. Weighing and sorting weak piglets can also help ensure they get better access to milk.
Feeding strategies play a significant role in the growth of suckling pigs. Introducing solid feed as early as 7 days old helps stimulate digestion, improve adaptability, and promote gut development. High-quality, easily digestible feed with a strong milk flavor is ideal. Feeding methods should encourage piglets to eat, such as soaking feed in water or adding sugar to make it more appealing. If some piglets refuse to eat, reducing the sow’s milk supply may encourage them to consume more feed.
Weaning is a critical transition. Early weaning, typically around 25–30 days, increases breeding efficiency and reduces disease risk. Before weaning, the sow’s feed and water intake should be gradually reduced. Weaning should be done in the morning, and piglets should remain in their familiar environment for a week. Post-weaning, high-quality feed and clean water are essential to support their health and growth.
In conclusion, the suckling pig stage, though short, is crucial for their survival and future performance. With careful attention to health, nutrition, and environmental management, farmers can significantly improve piglet survival rates and overall productivity. Success in pig farming starts with proper care during this vital period.
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