To ensure the health and survival of newborn piglets, several critical management practices must be followed from the moment they are born. First, it is essential that piglets begin consuming colostrum as soon as possible—ideally within the first three hours after birth. Colostrum is rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, and especially antibodies, which are vital for the piglet’s immune system. Since newborns have no natural immunity, they rely entirely on colostrum to gain protection against diseases. Additionally, colostrum helps stimulate digestion and promotes the elimination of meconium due to its higher magnesium content and acidic nature.
Next, it is important to help piglets locate and latch onto a teat quickly. Sows only release milk for 10–20 seconds per teat, so if piglets don’t find their spot early, competition may arise, leading to uneven growth or even death. Within two days of birth, piglets should be assigned specific teats—smaller or weaker ones should be placed on the front teats, while stronger ones can take the back. Before doing this, massaging the sow’s udder and positioning the teats properly will encourage the piglets to feed effectively.
Maintaining proper temperature is also crucial. Newborn piglets require an environment around 32°C, gradually decreasing to about 22°C by the time they are two months old. If the temperature is too low, piglets may suffer from hypothermia, become weak, and struggle to nurse, increasing the risk of disease or death. In cold conditions, it's best to avoid farrowing on concrete floors. Instead, use mats or straw for insulation, and consider using heat sources like infrared lamps or stoves during winter.
Another key point is iron supplementation. Piglets are born with limited iron stores (about 50 mg), but they need 7–8 mg daily for growth. However, breast milk provides only 1 mg per day, which is insufficient. Without timely iron supplementation, piglets may develop anemia, appear pale, and even die. A common method is to mix 2.5 g of ferrous sulfate and 1 g of copper sulfate in 1 liter of water and administer 10 ml per piglet twice daily until 20 days of age.
Early weaning and feeding should start around day 7. Introduce small amounts of soft feeds like cooked grains or soybeans, or mix them into a thin paste with sugar water and apply it to the piglet’s lips. Repeating this process helps them learn to eat independently.
Water should also be introduced early—by day 5. Piglets need about 1/5 of their body weight in water daily, and without access, they may drink contaminated water or urine, leading to illness. Provide clean, fresh water in a drinking tank to encourage healthy hydration.
Finally, maintaining hygiene is essential. Clean the pens daily, keep the environment dry and well-ventilated, and monitor the piglets closely for signs of illness. If diarrhea or other issues occur, treat them promptly. Vaccinations should be administered at 30 days of age according to local health protocols to prevent infectious diseases.
By following these practices, farmers can significantly improve the survival rate and overall health of their piglets.
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