Management measures to increase pig productivity

The pig farming industry is highly sensitive to production cycles and economic conditions. The prices of live pigs and pork are subject to frequent fluctuations, making it a volatile market that significantly impacts the income of farmers. Due to current losses in live pig sales, many farmers have scaled back their operations or even stopped raising pigs altogether. Those who continue often reduce investments to cut costs, neglecting proper management practices and extending the lifespan of their hogs, which artificially lowers the cost of raising livestock. This approach may save money in the short term but can lead to long-term inefficiencies. Therefore, adopting scientific feeding and management strategies is essential to consistently improve productivity and achieve better economic returns. The selection of hybrid pigs is also influenced by market trends. Pig prices dropped from 20 yuan per kilogram in January to around 14 yuan in the following month, representing a 30% decline. This presents an ideal opportunity for farmers to restock at lower costs. Hybrid breeds have a significant impact on growth rates and meat quality. Most rural farmers currently raise mature or long-grown Binh Duo, Duchangga, or Du Dachang three-way hybrids, which combine the best traits of their parents—fast growth, efficient feed conversion, high lean meat content, and superior meat quality. Under similar management conditions, hybrid pigs can be slaughtered 10–15 days earlier than regular pigs, resulting in an additional 20 yuan per head in income. Improving the uniformity of piglets is crucial. A common saying among farmers is, “One fewer student, one pound less weaned, and ten pounds less at slaughter,” highlighting the link between slow growth and birth weight. Increasing weaning weight and shortening the rearing period play a vital role in improving overall productivity. In rural areas, weaning typically occurs at 45 days, with weaning weights ranging from 7 to 8 kg—similar to the 35-day weaning weight seen in large-scale farms. With good uniformity and higher weaning weights, the total litter weight at six months increases, leading to better slaughter rates and carcass grades, ultimately boosting profitability. Thus, proper care of sows, nursing piglets, and nursery pigs is essential. The growth pattern of full-feed pigs follows a specific timeline. From 2 to 3 months old (up to 40 kg), pigs focus on bone and muscle development, requiring high-nutrient feed. A protein content of 18–21% is recommended. Between 15–30 kg, growing pigs should receive feed with 15.5–17% protein and a feed-to-weight ratio of 2.3:1. From 30–60 kg, the focus shifts to fat accumulation, with a protein content of about 15% and a feed ratio of 2.6–2.8:1. Farmers with resources should add about 2 kg of green feed daily to ensure adequate vitamins and minerals. Feeding schedules vary depending on the stage—pigs under 60 kg are fed four times a day, while those over 60 kg are fed twice. Dry feed is used initially, and later, food is restricted once a week to improve feed efficiency and meat quality. Proper storage of feed is critical to prevent spoilage, mold, and contamination, which can cause diseases or poisoning in pigs. Creating a comfortable environment is key to maximizing pig performance. Factors like temperature, humidity, airflow, and lighting all affect pig health and growth. For pigs weighing 20–50 kg, the ideal temperature is 18–21°C, while 50–100 kg pigs thrive at 16–20°C. When temperatures exceed 30°C, cooling measures such as spraying water or providing green feed help. In colder conditions, sealing doors, heating, or using boilers can maintain optimal warmth. Humidity levels also matter—too high leads to bacterial growth and disease, while too low causes dryness and respiratory issues. Nursery pigs prefer 45–55% humidity, while growing pigs do better at 50–65%. Lighting should be natural, around 8–10 hours per day, to avoid stress and promote healthy growth. Ventilation is crucial to reduce harmful gases and maintain air quality, helping pigs eat more and grow faster. Pig density management plays a major role in productivity. Overcrowding increases stress, reduces weight gain, and lowers feed efficiency, while understocking leads to higher heat loss and increased feed consumption without proportional gains. A general rule is 0.3–0.5 m² per nursery pig and 0.9–1.2 m² per finishing pig. Waterers should be placed appropriately—0.18–0.25 m for nursery pigs and 0.4–0.55 m for growing pigs, with a flow rate of 1 liter per minute. Feeding space should be 0.18–0.22 m per nursery pig and 0.3–0.35 m per finishing pig. Grouping pigs by size and keeping them together helps reduce aggression and improves overall well-being. Regular disease prevention and disinfection are essential for maintaining pig health. Vaccination schedules must be followed strictly: piglets should be vaccinated at 25–30 days, again at 60–70 days; high-pathogenic blue ear disease at 28–35 and 60 days; foot-and-mouth disease at 25–35 and 60–70 days; and other vaccines according to specific guidelines. Antibody monitoring ensures immunity levels meet standards. Disinfection routines include daily cleaning, weekly use of fire alkali, monthly chloralkali, and regular application of peroxyacetic acid and trichlorfon. Manure should be properly managed, and floors disinfected with appropriate solutions to control disease outbreaks.

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