Animal Agriculture

Lactating sow (Watch video of lactating sow https://youtu.be/yOQ4J3FFdP0 ) Farrowing is a term specific to swine that refers to the action of giving birth.  Farrowing management begins months before piglets are born. The breeding date will determine farrowing date. While  Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young. In healthy pigs, the process occur in post-pregnancy. It is the responsibility of the farmer to adhere to the following: 1. FARROWING MANAGEMENT • Deworm all pregnant animals two weeks prior to farrowing • Wash down the animals especially the udder a week to farrowing to prevent any possible worm or other pathogenic organisms on to the baby pig when they are born. • Half of the daily ration must consist of bran as from two weeks prior to farrowing and should continue one week after farrowing. Alternatively, feed a ration containing 10-12% wheat bran or 6.7-9.0kg of magnesi

Pigs are highly prolific in nature and two farrowings in a year should be planned by adopting optimal management conditions. For every 10 sows one boar must be maintained for maximum fertility. Breed the animals when it is in peak heat period (i.e. 12 to 24 hours of heat). Management during Pregnancy Give special attention to pregnant sows one week before farrowing by providing adequate space, feed, water etc. The sows as well as farrowing pens should be disinfected 3-4 days before the expected date of farrowing and the sows should be placed in the farrowing pen after bedding it properly. Care of Piglets Take care of new born piglets by providing guard rails. Treat / disinfect the navel cord with tincture of iodine as soon as it is cut with a sharp knife. Feed on mothers’ milk for first 6-8 weeks along with creep feed. Protect the piglets against extreme weather conditions, particularly during the first two months. Needle teeth should be clipped shortl