Stress isn’t good for any stage of the pig’s life, but weaning is certainly a time where lowering stress on the pig is not just a good idea – it’s critical. From the right diet to the right environment, it’s essential that employees are ready to help pigs get off to the best start possible.
“Those piglets are used to having full bellies coming off of their mom at weaning, and so as they transition into the nursery, being able to fill those stomachs and digestive systems with food is very critical,” said Joel DeRouchey, professor at Kansas State University, at the Annual Swine Conference hosted by Carthage Veterinary Service. “Once pigs eat more, they’re going to have a better average daily gain the rest of their lives, and we know that their digestive health is going to be better.”
How Clean is Clean?
When it comes to getting pigs started right in the barn, one area that needs talked about more is sanitation, DeRouchey says.
Although it’s clearly not overlooked, he says studies show opportunities for improvement.
“There are many ways that we clean barns after a group leaves and before the next set comes in,” he says. “I think we need to get back to the basics, making sure not only the pens are clean, but particularly focusing on any rubber or plastic mats that are used group to group, and especially the watering devices, are also clean.”
Data has shown that the watering device, before sanitation, has some of the highest counts of E coli, he points out.
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