Keeping Baby Pigs Alive
Preweaning mortality can often make up the majority of birth to market deaths, and on most farms is currently above the 10% or below top farm rate. Suggestions to decrease preweaning mortality include individually feeding sows, and making sure the amount of feed given is adequate, and determine true gestation length of sows so as to not induce too early. For the piglets environment heat lamps are important, a black mat can help capture the heat, and drafts should be eliminated. Having enough labor will allow the piglets to be dried off, and ensure each piglet gets colostrum. Things that should be minimized are the number of processing procedures performed, and the amount of sorting. Finally, the sow’s well-being needs to be monitored throughout. Following these suggestions can help reduce preweaning mortality, and increase the number of pigs brought to market.