I do not have
enough colostrum what can I do?
|
The best colostrum is from the piglet’s own mum |
Do not have any
colostrum |
|
|
But sometimes she fails to produce colostrum – had mastitis for example |
|
Possible colostrum supplements |
|
Another pig |
|
Another ruminant- cattle, sheep, goat – these can be frozen and used as required |
|
If possible camel – but can be extremely difficult to get |
|
White of an egg –uncooked. Duck eggs are bigger than chicken and thus have more white. |
|
Purchased artificial colostrum ensure it contains antibodies |
|
Provide as much as possible – piglets will consume an average of 250 ml in 24 hours. But artificial colostrum can result in diarrhoea if not used properly. |
|
Provide colostrum for the first 6 hours after birth – on the hour. |
|
Ensure the piglets are provided with a draught free warm (30C) environment |
|
Provide good quality creamy milk supplements with lactobacillus probiotics after 6 hours – each hour 24 hours a day. |
|
Piglets can be extremely difficult to rear by hand |
Do not have enough
colostrum |
|
|
Split suckling change the litters every 40 minutes. Ensure the piglets are allowed to suckling by the mother. |
|
The mother might need to be ‘sedated” – there are chemical sedatives available. Give the mum a pint (0.5 litre) of beer. |