Key measures to reduce the mortality of suckling piglets
2025-07-22 12:52:55
Under normal management conditions, the mortality rate of suckling piglets typically ranges from 5% to 25%. This variation is largely influenced by factors such as herd genetics, sow nutrition, and overall production management. To effectively reduce piglet mortality, it's essential to focus on improving the nutritional intake of sows, ensuring proper vaccination schedules, and implementing effective feeding and care practices.
Competition among piglets for access to the sow’s teats can be intense, especially in large litters. Each piglet must consume an adequate amount of colostrum to gain sufficient immunoglobulins, which are crucial for their early immune development. When a sow has many piglets, separating them into smaller groups for feeding becomes necessary. Allowing lighter piglets to feed more frequently—up to two or three times—without competition helps them gain weight faster and reduces mortality. Heavier piglets can be placed in heated areas for short periods, and regular monitoring ensures 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 for controlled and efficient feeding. This method is particularly beneficial for piglets that are cold, weak, or unable to nurse effectively.
Fostering piglets is another important strategy to ensure all piglets receive adequate nutrition and care. The key principle is that each piglet must have access to colostrum, either from the mother or through alternative means. When fostering, it's important to match piglets with similar weights and strengths to avoid dominance issues and ensure equal feeding opportunities.
For piglets that are growing slowly within a litter, delaying weaning can be an effective approach. By keeping the sow with the litter longer, these piglets can continue to benefit from milk, which supports their growth. Artificial feeding is also a viable option, especially when the sow is not available or unable to nurse.
When weaning, it's often beneficial to separate piglets based on weight. Larger piglets can be weaned 7–10 days earlier, giving the smaller ones more time to feed and grow. If there is a significant weight difference within a litter, individual weaning is recommended to prevent weaker piglets from being outcompeted.
In cases where sows are artificially fed or have high milk production, piglets may need special attention. Providing a warm, safe environment and using suitable milk substitutes is essential. Piglets that haven’t received colostrum should be fed via stomach tube initially. Afterward, nipple feeding can help them develop sucking reflexes. Later, liquid feeders or other devices can be introduced.
A basic formula for milk substitutes includes 1 liter of milk (or water + 250g skim milk powder), 1ml of penicillin, and 5ml of anti-diarrhea medication. On the first day, add 300ml of egg per liter of milk, gradually reducing the amount over time. By day ten, the egg addition should be reduced to 250ml. This method supports digestion and promotes healthy growth in young piglets.
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