CARE FOR NEWBORN PIGLETS

Weaning large litters of thrifty, heavyweight pigs is a key factor for a profitable swine herd and this can be achieved by doing the following;
• Treat / disinfect the navel cord with tincture of iodine as soon as it is cut
• Feed on mothers’ milk for the first 6-8 weeks along with creep feed.
• Protect the piglets against extreme weather conditions, particularly during the first two months.
• Needle teeth should be clipped shortly after birth.
• Vaccinate the piglets as per recommended vaccination schedule.
• Provide Iron supplement to prevent piglet anemia (very necessary) at the 3rd and 21st day of birth.
• Male piglets not selected for breeding should be castrated preferably at the age of 3-4 weeks to prevent the boar odour in the cooked meat thus it enables production of quality meat.
Additional feed requirements of lactating sow must be ensured for proper nursing of all the piglets born.

Suckling piglets

Piglets in the creep area

Creep training
Piglets learn the behaviour of using creeps within the first 40–48 hours of life. Creep is a process by which piglets are allowed access to the concentrate mixture.
Piglets have different thermal requirements to sows, and the creep area provides the required environment for the piglets, so training them at the creep area will provide them with a good start in life.
Creep feed also called pig starter is a dry feed presented to the piglets when they are 2-3weeks old for vigorous growth Provision of additional nutrients at this time is essential to have maximum growth and development.
Creep feed is the dry feed given to piglets at 2-3 weeks. Provision of additional nutrients at this time is essential to maximize growth. Creep feed contains 25-30% CP.(crude protein)

The creep has a secondary advantage of being a safe area where piglets can lie away from the sow and the risk of being laid on.
The growth and immune system of piglets can equally be enhanced with the use of piglets enhancer.

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