livestock Unit-9_Management_of_piglets.pptx

Piglet rearing

1. Weaning Separation of the young one from the mother Stress Mental, emotional or physical strain or tension Causes: Change of diet Early weaning Overcrowding Confinement Management of Piglets

2. System of weaning 12 weeks of age (remote area farmers) 5-6 weeks (widely follow by average farmers) 3-4 weeks (follow by educated farmers) ( Banerjee G.C.2004 )

3. According to Taylor and Rose (2006) Conventional weaning: 3–5 weeks of age Early weaning/ split weaning; 10 days- 3 weeks Specialized weaning: Segregated early weaning (SEW) and Medicated early weaning (MEW)

4. Physiological changes Weaning is a stressful event, forces to change the normal physiological balance Increase body temperature Suppress the immune system Suppress the secretion of hormones

5. Change in immunological system No protective immunity at birth Depend on colostrum for the transfer of passive immunity from sow Piglet immunity start function after 29 days High risk, weaning at 14-28 days Decrease in normal gut microflora

6. MANAGEMENT FARROWING: First step to control preweaning mortality and weaning stress Increase length of parturition-increase still birth ( Spring,2008 ) Reduce viability of piglet Increase crushing rate

7. Care of piglet Help in respiration Clipping of needle teeth Cutting of the umbilical cord Umbilical cord at farrowing 20% detached at birth 80% attached Do NOT cut cord unless necessary Blood and nutrients are still being transferred ( Spring 2008 )

8. Cont.. Has no antibodies against pathogens No transfer of antibodies prepartum Colostrum only way of getting passive immunity Glycogen stores lasts for less than 24 h Needs energy right away Has only 1-2% body fat Little insulation to prevent body heat loss Limited ability to regulate body temp. Needs additional heat

9. Smaller & less active Nursing a poor producing teat Bony and angular Loose skin Hairy It takes a dedicated herdsman to secure survival of runt Care of runt/ fall-out

10. CAUSES OF PRE-WEANING MORTALITY (% of Total Mortality and Body Weight)