🐖 Piglets from the First Day of Birth
Piglets are extremely vulnerable from the moment they’re born. Proper care on the first day of birth is critical for survival, growth, and long-term performance.
Immediately After Birth (First Minutes)
1. Clear Airways
- Remove mucus from the mouth and nose.
- Make sure the piglet is breathing normally.
2. Dry the Piglet
- Dry with a clean towel or straw.
- This prevents chilling (newborn piglets cannot regulate body temperature well).
3. Provide Warmth
- Ideal temperature: 30–34°C (86–93°F)
- Use a heat lamp or warming box.
- Avoid drafts.
First 1–6 Hours: Colostrum Is Critical
Colostrum (first milk) is essential because it:
- Provides antibodies (immunity)
- Supplies energy
- Reduces early mortality
Important: Piglets must receive colostrum within 6 hours, and no later than 12 hours, as antibody absorption rapidly decreases after that.
Weak piglets may need help to reach a teat.
Identification & Basic Procedures (Within 24 Hours)
- Ear tagging or ear notching (for identification)
- Recording birth weight
- Checking for defects (hernia, splay legs, cleft palate)
Iron Supplementation
Piglets are born with low iron reserves.
- Iron injection (usually 100–200 mg) is given within the first 1–3 days to prevent anemia.
Umbilical Cord Care
- If long, trim to about 3–5 cm.
- Disinfect with iodine to prevent infection.
Normal Birth Weight
- Average: 1.0–1.5 kg
- Below 1.0 kg = higher risk piglet
Watch for These Problems
- Chilling (shivering, piling)
- Not nursing
- Crushing by the sow
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
Early intervention saves lives.
PIGLETS FROM THE FIRST DAY OF BIRTH
Piglets Monitoring from the first day of birthPiglets should be monitored from the first day of birth to ensure their health and well-being. This includes monitoring their weight, temperature, and general health. It is important to check for any signs of illness or injury, such as diarrhea, coughing, or labored breathing. Piglets should also be monitored for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or dry skin. Additionally, it is important to check for any signs of parasites, such as lice or mites. Finally, it is important to monitor the piglets’ environment to ensure that it is clean and free of any potential hazards.
IRON INJECTION MOST IMPORTANT IN PIGLETS SHOULD BE GIVEN FIRST INJECTION IN DAY 3 AND DAY 21 FROM THE DAY OF BIRTH
PIGLETS MEDICATION
Piglets require special care and attention to ensure their health and well-being. Medication is sometimes necessary to treat illnesses or prevent disease. Common medications used for piglets include antibiotics, anti-parasitic drugs, and vaccines. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, while anti-parasitic drugs are used to treat and prevent parasites. Vaccines are used to prevent diseases such as swine flu, erysipelas, and leptospirosis. It is important to consult a veterinarian before administering any medication to a piglet.
🐖 Piglets Medication and Proper Brooding Management
Piglets require special care and attention during their early life to ensure healthy growth and high survival rates. Proper medication and a well-managed brooding environment play a crucial role in preventing disease, reducing mortality, and improving overall performance. This guide explains the essential medications used for piglets and how to properly manage their brooding areas.
Piglets Medication
Medication is sometimes necessary to treat illnesses or prevent disease outbreaks in piglets. Because young piglets have developing immune systems, they are more vulnerable to infections and parasites.
Common Medications Used for Piglets
- Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, scours (diarrhea), and navel infections. Antibiotics should only be used under veterinary supervision.
- Anti-parasitic Drugs: These medications control and prevent internal parasites (worms) and external parasites such as lice and mites.
- Iron Supplements: Piglets are often given iron injections within the first few days of life to prevent anemia, as they are born with low iron reserves.
- Vaccines: Vaccination programs help prevent serious diseases that can affect piglets and the entire herd.
Diseases Prevented by Vaccination
- Swine flu
- Erysipelas
- Leptospirosis
Important: Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to piglets. Incorrect dosage or improper use of drugs can lead to resistance, poor growth, or even death.
Piglets Brooding Areas
Brooding refers to the management of piglets in a controlled environment to provide warmth, safety, and comfort during their early weeks of life. Proper brooding reduces stress, prevents chilling, and promotes healthy development.
Essential Brooding Requirements
- A clean and dry housing area
- Draft-free but well-ventilated space
- Adequate lighting
- Enough space for piglets to move freely
Temperature Guidelines
- First week: 85–90°F (29–32°C)
- After first week: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Heat lamps or heating pads can be used to maintain proper temperatures. Piglets are very sensitive to cold stress, especially during the first few days of life.
Bedding and Hygiene
- Provide clean, dry bedding such as straw or shavings.
- Regularly remove wet or dirty bedding.
- Keep the area free from drafts and vermin.
Maintaining hygiene in the brooding area helps prevent infections, diarrhea, and respiratory problems.
🐖 Weaning Piglets and the Best Time to Wean
Weaning is the process of separating piglets from the sow (mother) and transitioning them from milk to solid feed. It is one of the most critical stages in pig production because it affects growth rate, health, and future performance.
Proper weaning reduces stress, prevents weight loss, and improves survival rates.
What Is Weaning?
Weaning involves:
- Separating piglets from the sow
- Changing from milk to solid feed
- Adjusting to a new environment
- Learning to eat and drink independently
Because this is a stressful period, good management is essential.
Best Time to Wean Piglets
1. Early Weaning (14–21 Days)
- Common in intensive commercial farms
- Requires excellent housing and feeding management
- Piglets must be healthy and eating creep feed before weaning
Note: Early weaning can increase stress and disease risk if management is poor.
2. Standard Weaning (21–28 Days) – Recommended
- Most common and practical age
- Piglets are stronger and better developed
- Immune system is more mature
- Lower stress compared to very early weaning
21–28 days is generally the best time to wean piglets under normal farm conditions.
3. Late Weaning (5–8 Weeks)
- Common in small-scale or traditional systems
- Piglets are stronger and heavier
- Reduces stress
- Sow productivity may decrease (longer farrowing interval)
Signs Piglets Are Ready for Weaning
- Actively eating creep feed
- Drinking water independently
- Healthy and free from diarrhea
- Good body weight (usually 6–8 kg or more depending on breed)
Weaning Weight
- Average recommended weight: 6–8 kg (13–18 lbs)
- Heavier piglets adjust better after weaning
Weaning Management Tips
1. Introduce Creep Feed Early
- Start at 7–10 days of age
- Use high-quality, digestible feed
2. Provide Clean Water
- Fresh water must always be available
3. Reduce Stress
- Keep piglets in familiar groups
- Avoid mixing with older pigs immediately
- Maintain warm housing (about 24–28°C after weaning)
4. Maintain Hygiene
- Clean and disinfect pens before moving piglets
- Keep bedding dry
Common Problems After Weaning
- Post-weaning diarrhea
- Reduced feed intake
- Weight loss
- Fighting due to mixing
Good nutrition and a clean environment greatly reduce these problems.
Weaning is a crucial transition in pig production. Although piglets can be weaned as early as 14 days, the best and most recommended time is between 21 and 28 days, when piglets are stronger and better prepared for solid feed.
With proper nutrition, clean housing, and careful management, farmers can reduce stress, prevent disease, and ensure steady growth after weaning.
Conclusion
Successful piglet production depends heavily on proper medication and effective brooding management. Using the right medications under veterinary guidance helps prevent and control diseases, while a warm, clean, and well-managed brooding environment ensures strong growth and reduced mortality.
By combining preventive healthcare practices with good housing management, farmers can significantly improve piglet survival rates, enhance growth performance, and build a healthier, more productive herd.
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