Do
you wean less than 10 per sow
1 |
Breeding routines |
The
major cause of piglets not being weaned is an empty farrowing crate. Each empty crate equates to 10 lost
piglets. Pre-weaning mortality starts
in the service area, ensuring the numbers served is sufficient for the
current farrowing rate and to enhance litter size. |
|
2 |
All-in all-out and basic hygiene |
To
reduce pre-weaning mortality hygiene has got to be good. On a lot of farms all-in all-out is
believed to be practised, but with fostering and foster sows this is rarely
achieved. The all-in all-out must also
be complete, i.e. do not forget the water supplies. |
|
3 |
Nutrition of the gestating sow |
Poor
control over gestation nutrition results in low birth weights, udder oedema,
mastitis problems and there is a negative relationship between the quantify fed in gestation and the appetite in the
farrowing house. |
|
4 |
Nutrition of the lactating sow |
Few
producers are able to maximise the sow's potential for milk production,
resulting in under nourished piglets.
Copious supplies of water are critical. Feeding of the lactating sow is a critical
area in the farrowing house. |
|
5 |
Adequate farrowing routines |
These
are necessary to reduce the number of stillborn piglets and to provide care
in the first critical 24 hours. |
|
6 |
Farrowing accommodation design |
Chilling
is the number one reason for piglet loss.
Farrowing houses must not have any draughts. There are two micro-environments necessary,
the sow at 16-18•C and the piglet at 30•C.
The farrowing crate has got to be able to accommodate the modern sow. |
|
7 |
Adequate antibody protection via colostrum |
The
piglet is born with no protection.
Providing sufficient protection starts with an effective vaccination
programme and protocols to maximise the colostrum
intake. Draughts again are a killer. |
|
8 |
Efficient cross-fostering routines |
Protocols
should be in place to provide efficient cross-fostering shortly after birth
and later during lactation. There also
needs to be provision for the weak piglet at weaning. |
|
9 |
Maximise piglets' energy intake |
Through
good access to teats, providing good mothering sows and ensuring sows provide
adequate milk. Liquid feed before day
14 may enhance gut development and palatable creep feed is needed from day 14
to improve weaning weights. |
|
10 |
Efficient and humane piglet
processing controls |
Clean
well maintained and effective protocols for teeth clipping, tail docking and
iron injecting should be in place.
Poor teeth clipping is a major cause of joint ill. |