The first challenge in weaning piglets is the abrupt transition from nursing to independent feeding. Piglets are accustomed to being with their mother and siblings, living in a stable, warm, and familiar environment. When they are suddenly separated and moved into a new setting, this change can be very stressful, leading to poor appetite, slower growth, and even health issues. To minimize stress, it's best to gradually reduce the number of suckling piglets over the 5–6 days before weaning, allowing them to adjust more smoothly. This method helps maintain their growth momentum and reduces post-weaning setbacks.
Another key issue is improper feeding practices. If piglets aren’t introduced to solid feed early enough during lactation, they may struggle to eat after weaning. Without proper supplementation, their growth can slow down or even stop. It’s recommended to start offering small amounts of starter feed at around 7 days of age, so that as the sow’s milk production decreases, the piglets can transition smoothly to solid food without nutritional gaps.
Poor feed quality and inconsistent feeding schedules also play a role. After weaning, many piglets face a sudden drop in the number of meals per day, going from 6–8 times to just one or two. At the same time, the feed may lack moisture and nutrients, making it less appealing. These changes can hinder digestion and overall development. When purchasing pigs, it’s important to ask about their feeding history—ensuring that feed quality improves gradually, forage is introduced slowly, and meal frequency adjusts from high to low in a controlled manner.
Environmental changes also contribute to weaning stress. Before weaning, piglets live in close contact with their mother and littermates, creating a sense of security. After weaning, they are often moved to a new pen, sometimes alone, which can be disorienting and lonely. In cold weather, this can increase the risk of illness, such as respiratory infections or diarrhea, and in severe cases, even death.
Inadequate management practices further complicate things. Many farmers keep pigs in small enclosures where pigs eat, sleep, and defecate in the same area. Poor hygiene leads to unsanitary conditions, increasing the likelihood of diseases like swine flu, diarrhea, and other infections. This not only affects the pigs’ health but also slows their growth and increases mortality rates.
Lastly, the timing of vaccinations and castration can add extra stress. Some farmers buy pigs from local markets and then perform multiple procedures—such as vaccination, castration, and weaning—all at once. This combination of stressors can weaken the piglets, delay recovery, and result in "stiff pigs" that grow slowly and suffer from long-term health issues. Proper planning and spacing of these procedures can help reduce stress and support healthier growth.
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