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.