Breeding and Reproduction Management

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Breeding and Reproduction Management By Big Pig Market — Updated 2025 Pig breeding is the foundation of every successful swine enterprise. Whether you run a backyard herd or a large commercial unit, understanding how pigs reproduce, mate, and farrow determines your productivity and long-term profit. Breeding management combines science, observation, and animal-care skill to ensure that each sow produces healthy litters at regular intervals and that every boar remains fertile and active. 1. Introduction to Pig Breeding In modern pig production, breeding is more than pairing males and females. It is a structured process that includes selecting superior parents, planning mating schedules, managing pregnancy, and caring for piglets after birth. Efficient breeding shortens the farrowing interval, increases litter size, and improves feed-to-meat conversion ratios. Average well-managed sows can farrow 2.3 litters per year with 9 – 12 piglets each. Proper heat detection, boar manag...
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MOST AND COMMONLY DESEASES IN PIG FARMING

🐖 The Ultimate Guide to Pig Diseases: Prevention, Symptoms, and Control

Pig farming can be highly profitable, but disease outbreaks remain one of the biggest challenges farmers face. A single outbreak can reduce growth rates, increase mortality, restrict trade, and cause major financial losses.

This ultimate guide explains the most common pig diseases, their symptoms, how they spread, and practical steps you can take to prevent and control them on your farm.

Why Disease Control Is Critical in Pig Farming

Diseases in pigs can:

  • Reduce weight gain
  • Lower feed efficiency
  • Increase mortality rates
  • Affect reproduction
  • Cause trade restrictions
  • Increase veterinary and treatment costs

Prevention is always more effective and cheaper than treatment.

1. African Swine Fever (ASF)

African Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting pigs worldwide. It affects both domestic and wild pigs and has a very high mortality rate.

Causes

  • Direct contact with infected pigs
  • Contaminated feed or swill
  • Vehicles, equipment, and clothing
  • Wild pigs and ticks

Symptoms

  • High fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Red or bluish skin (ears and belly)
  • Internal bleeding
  • Sudden death

Control and Prevention

  • Enforce strict biosecurity measures
  • Restrict farm visitors
  • Disinfect vehicles and equipment
  • Avoid feeding untreated swill
  • Isolate new pigs for 2–4 weeks
  • Report suspected cases immediately

Note: There is no widely effective cure. Prevention is the only reliable protection.

2. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Blisters in the mouth
  • Blisters on feet and hooves
  • Lameness
  • Excessive salivation

Impact

  • Severe weight loss
  • Reduced growth rate
  • Trade bans
  • Production losses

Prevention

  • Vaccinate regularly (where vaccines are available)
  • Limit animal movement
  • Isolate infected animals immediately
  • Disinfect housing and equipment
  • Proper carcass disposal

3. Classical Swine Fever (CSF)

Also known as hog cholera, Classical Swine Fever is a contagious viral disease.

Symptoms

  • High fever
  • Red or purple skin spots
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • High mortality in young pigs

Prevention

  • Vaccination (in endemic areas)
  • Strict biosecurity
  • Quarantine new animals

4. Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)

Symptoms

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Reduced feed intake

Prevention

  • Proper ventilation
  • Avoid overcrowding
  • Vaccination when recommended
  • Clean housing conditions

5. Erysipelas

Symptoms

  • High fever
  • Diamond-shaped skin lesions
  • Lameness
  • Sudden death in severe cases

Prevention

  • Routine vaccination
  • Sanitation and disinfection
  • Prompt antibiotic treatment (under veterinary supervision)

6. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Symptoms

  • Breathing difficulty in piglets
  • Reproductive failure in sows
  • Weak piglets
  • Increased mortality

Prevention

  • Vaccination (where available)
  • Strict herd management
  • Controlled pig movement

7. Internal and External Parasites

Common Parasites

  • Roundworms
  • Tapeworms
  • Mange mites
  • Lice

Signs of Infection

  • Poor weight gain
  • Rough hair coat
  • Scratching
  • Diarrhea

Prevention

  • Regular deworming schedule
  • Clean housing
  • Proper waste management

8. Post-Weaning Diarrhea

Causes

  • Stress
  • Poor hygiene
  • Sudden feed changes
  • Bacterial infections

Prevention

  • Gradual feed transition
  • Clean water supply
  • Maintain warm housing
  • Reduce stress during weaning

General Biosecurity Measures for Pig Farms

Strong biosecurity is your first line of defense.

  • Limit farm visitors
  • Provide footbaths and protective clothing
  • Disinfect vehicles and equipment
  • Quarantine new pigs
  • Separate age groups
  • Control rodents and wild animals
  • Keep accurate farm records

When to Call a Veterinarian

Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice:

  • Sudden deaths
  • High fever in multiple pigs
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blisters or unusual skin discoloration

Early detection saves lives and reduces losses.

Economic Impact of Pig Diseases

  • Increased feed costs
  • Loss of breeding stock
  • Reduced litter size
  • Export bans
  • Complete herd loss in severe outbreaks

Conclusion

Pig diseases remain one of the greatest threats to profitable pig farming. African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease, Classical Swine Fever, PRRS, parasites, and respiratory infections can cause devastating losses if not properly managed.

The key to success is prevention through:

  • Strict biosecurity
  • Regular vaccination
  • Proper nutrition
  • Clean housing
  • Early detection
  • Veterinary consultation

By applying these principles consistently, farmers can reduce disease risks, improve productivity, and build a sustainable and profitable pig farming operation.

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