Key measures to reduce the mortality of suckling piglets

Under normal management conditions, the mortality rate of suckling piglets typically ranges from 5% to 25%. This rate is influenced by several factors, including the genetic quality of the herd, the nutritional status of the sows, and the overall production management practices. To effectively reduce piglet mortality, it is essential to enhance sow nutrition, implement strong vaccination programs, and improve feeding and management practices throughout the farrowing process. Competition among piglets for access to the sow’s teats can be intense, especially in larger litters. Each piglet must consume an adequate amount of colostrum to gain sufficient antibodies. When there are too many piglets per sow, separated feeding becomes necessary. Allowing smaller, weaker piglets to nurse more frequently—up to two or three times—without competition helps them gain weight and reduces mortality. Meanwhile, heavier piglets can be placed in a warm area for short periods, with regular monitoring to ensure they remain healthy. Stomach tube feeding is a practical technique used to provide colostrum or milk directly into the stomach of weak or sick piglets. A sterile plastic tube is inserted through the mouth into the stomach, allowing precise delivery of nutrients. This method is particularly useful for piglets that are cold, weak, or unable to nurse effectively. It ensures they receive the necessary nutrition to survive and grow. Fostering piglets is another important strategy to ensure all piglets get proper care and access to colostrum. The key principle is that fostered piglets must have received or be able to obtain colostrum. When fostering, it’s crucial to match piglets based on size and strength to avoid dominance issues and ensure fair feeding. For piglets that are growing slowly within a litter, delaying weaning can be beneficial. By keeping them with the sow longer, they can continue to receive milk, which supports their development. Artificial feeding is also a viable option for these piglets, especially when the sow is not available or unable to feed them. When weaning, separating piglets by weight can help reduce stress and ensure even growth. Piglets that are heavier can be weaned earlier, giving the lighter ones more time to nurse and gain strength. If there is a significant weight difference within a litter, individual weaning is recommended to promote better growth outcomes. Artificially fed piglets, especially those born to sows that cannot nurse, require special attention. These piglets need a controlled environment and a suitable milk substitute that is easy to digest. For piglets that haven’t received colostrum, stomach tube feeding is essential. After that, using a nipple feeder helps them develop sucking reflexes. Later, liquid feeders or other devices can be introduced. The formula for artificial milk can be prepared as follows: 1 liter of milk (or 1 liter of water mixed with 250 grams of skim milk powder) plus 1 ml of penicillin and 5 ml of anti-diarrhea medication. On the first day, add 300 ml of egg per liter of milk, gradually reducing the egg quantity over time. By day ten, the egg addition should be reduced to 250 ml. This approach supports digestive health and provides balanced nutrition.

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