Why Did the Baby Pig Eat So Much Answer Key

Expert care and management in the farrowing quarters has a major influence on the number of liveborn piglets that are weaned and on how well they perform in later stages of product. According to a 1995 survey of swine management practices in the U.s., the average number of preweaning piglet deaths per litter on farms was .88 or 9.4% of those built-in alive. The 2 leading causes of preweaning deaths were laid on (48.7%) and starvation (20.5%). Other surveys have shown that over 50% of the deaths occur in the first two to iii days of life.

Originally published as PIH-eighteen.

A successful flagman understands that newborn piglets have certain physical characteristics which make them very reliant on proper management and intendance. Piglets are built-in without whatsoever antibody protection, their bodies contain fat energy for near 1 day of life, and they cannot regulate internal body temperature well until they are a few days quondam. Thus, anything that may pb to a reduction in milk production or consumption, such as spooky or exposure to disease organisms, compromises the health and well-being of newborn piglets.

Piglets born alive fall into two broad categories—normal and disadvantaged. It is of import to recognize the difference betwixt normal and disadvantaged piglets and so appropriate assistance tin can be provided. Normal piglets will be built-in apace, become on their anxiety within a minute or 2 and exist suckling in about xv minutes. They move from teat to teat, taking a disproportionately large share of the almost full-bodied, immunoglobulin-rich colostrum. If the sow is a expert mother and the farrowing environment is adequate, normal piglets thrive without much help from the caretaker.

Disadvantaged piglets are ones weakened past the rigors of the birth procedure, are lightweight, have a congenital defect(south), are slow reaching the udder, or are chilled. Piglets weakened during the birth procedure include those that were oxygendeprived but not killed, "apparent" stillbirths that were revived, and piglets experiencing excessive physical trauma. The longer a sow takes to farrow the greater the take chances these problems will appear. Lightweight piglets, peculiarly those weighing less than ii.75lb at nativity, are much less probable to survive to weaning than heavier piglets. Splayleg is a common congenital defect observed in disadvantaged piglets. Disadvantaged piglets are also slow in getting on their feet and to the udder. Their weakened state compromises their ability to compete with stronger, normal litter mates for access to teats during the first hours later on birth. This reduces their intake of colostrum. Chilled piglets ofttimes experience a lower cadre torso temperature which makes them susceptible to death. Often these piglets are seen shivering and huddled with litter mates, considering their thermal requirements have not been met. This fact canvass describes management practices that should increase the number of piglets weaned as well as their power to perform well in subsequent stages of production. Some of these practices are meant for all piglets in the litter, whereas others are mainly for disadvantaged piglets. There is a general time frame in which it is most desirable to perform many of these techniques.

Attended Farrowings

Enquiry indicates that attending and assisting at farrowing can increase piglet survival and the number of pigs weaned. By being nowadays at farrowing, ane can chop-chop identify disadvantaged piglets and brainstorm to assist them. However, each producer should weigh carefully the costs and benefits of supervised farrowings. Having many litters to supervise at one time (through batch farrowing or continuous farrowing in a multiple farrowing room complex) makes more efficient utilize of labor.

Prevent Chilling

The farrowing quarters demand to provide two different microclimates: a cool one for the sow (60-65°F) and a hot one for the newborn piglets (85-95°F the first few days, then decreased to the seventy-fourscore°F range). To achieve this goal, maintain a room temperature at approximately 65-seventy°F and provide zone heating for the litter.

Closely monitor the sow and litter'due south responses to the zone heating to ensure their thermal needs are met. If the amount of rut provided by the zone heaters is excessive, piglets will move away from the rut source. This not merely wastes power but can crusade the sow to become besides warm and increase piglet bloodshed. The thermal needs of piglets are met if they are lying in a prone position gently touching each other. If they are piled, attention should be given to providing more than heat.

Provide zone heating in the farrowing quarters beginning 24 hours before expected farrowing. Rut lamps, heat pads, radiant estrus devices, and hovers are common ways to provide zone heating in farrowing houses. Many times, still, the zone heating is placed but to the side of the sow in the creep area. Research indicates that having an boosted heat lamp placed at the rear of the sow during farrowing reduces piglet mortality. The extra heat source assures the piglet of immediate warmth following birth. The key is to take the supplemental oestrus directed behind the sow before farrowing and until farrowing is completed. If there is no actress heat present behind the sow during farrowing, position disadvantaged piglets in a heated surface area immediately after birth.

Colostrum Intake

The first milk, colostrum, is rich in disease-preventing immunogloblins; the very commencement colostrum is the richest and all-time, because the quality of colostrum declines over time. Getting a good dose of colostrum, specially from the piglet'southward dam, is probably the single most important factor related to a piglet's survival and long-term health. Strong, early-built-in piglets go to the udder hours before their later-built-in litter mates and go from teat to teat taking the best colostrum. Thus, disadvantaged piglets ofttimes need assistance to obtain plenty colostrum. Below are some methods to ensure piglets obtain an adequate dose of colostrum.

• Prevent chilling so piglets stay warm and active.
• Split suckle. This involves removing role of the litter for one to ii hour periods the kickoff 12 hours after farrowing. For all-time results, remove the largest, strongest piglets for a i to two hour period during the morning and again in the afternoon, leaving the small piglets on the sow to nurse. Give the sow 20-xxx U.Southward.P. units of oxytocin (1 to i.5ml) each fourth dimension the largest piglets are removed. Be sure to hold the large piglets in a box fitted with supplemental oestrus to prevent chilling. Utilise this technique to ensure loftier colostrum intake before crossfostering.
• Collect colostrum from the sow or obtain cow colostrum and give it to piglets via a stomach tube or a syringe. To milk a sow, remover all her piglets for ane hr. So give her 20-30 U.S.P. units or 1 to 1.5ml of oxytocin, look one or two minutes, then strip her teats (front teats are better exist cause they produce more milk) to obtain colostrum. Cow colostrum also tin be used and may more than hands obtained. Either type of colostrum can be frozen in ice cube trays for future apply. How always, do not thaw the cubes in a microwave oven, because rapid thawing reduces the immunological value of the colostrum. Tummy tubes can be fabricated from model airplane fuel tubing or by using a urinary catheter (size 14 French) available from medical supply stores. Adhere the tube to a syringe and lubricate the tube with vegetable oil or KY jelly before inserting it 6-7 inches into the piglet'southward tummy. Requite the piglet 10-15ml of colostrum once or twice during the first 24 hours of life

Crossfostering

The everyman piglet mortality is observed in high birthweight litters with depression inside-litter piglet weight variation. Crossfostering is the most constructive style to reduce within-litter piglet weight variation. The primary purposes of crossfostering is to reduce the weight variation within the litter and to more evenly friction match the number of piglets with the sow's power to raise them (determined past the number of functional teats).

Crossfostering should be practiced carefully to accomplish best results. A good crossfostering program makes milk supplies more bachelor to all piglets and does not compromise the health status of the piglets in segregated early weaning (SEW) programs. Beneath are important tips to ensure good results from crossfostering.

• Ensure piglets that volition be crossfostered consume colostrum from their dam. Allow piglets to remain with their dam for at to the lowest degree four to six hours following birth before they are crossfostered. Otherwise, it is likely the fostered piglets volition not consume an adequate amount of colostrum, peculiarly if they are fostered to a sow which farrowed one to two days previously.
• Crossfoster piglets before they are 24 to 48 hours one-time. Piglets plant teat allegiance (preference for a teat) within the first days later nascency and will almost always suckle at the same teat or pair of teats until weaning. It is an advantage for piglets to found teat allegiance, because it reduces competition and fighting at the udder. When teat fidelity is non established, piglets fight more throughout lacta- tion and have poorer weight gains. Crossfostering after teat fidelity is established is disruptive and induces fighting betwixt resident and fostered piglets. An exception to this dominion is the fostering of 1 of a pair of piglets continuing to dispute a single teat location.

In SEW programs where maximum weaning age is important or in PRRS-positive herds, crossfostering piglets afterward they are 24-48 hours one-time places them at take chances of coming into contact with a nurse sow shedding pathogens against which the piglets received no colostral amnesty. Therefore, disease may pass from the nurse sow to the piglets.

Some producers have successfully transferred older, small piglets to nurse sows following early on weaning of the nurse sow's litter. In these instances, be sure the weaning age of the fostered piglets does non exceed the maximum weaning historic period set for the subcontract.

• Choose modest, docile sows with modest, slender nipples of medium length to heighten beneath- average- weight piglets.
• Discover for the presence of disease problems in the farrowing quarters before crossfostering. This is important to reduce the spread of disease. Avert moving a healthy piglet to a diseased litter or vise-versa.
• Transfer males rather than females when replacement animals are retained from inside the herd. Otherwise, accuracy of female person pick may exist reduced and gilts reared past foster dams have poorer reproductive operation.

Processing Piglets

Processing piglets includes clipping teeth, clipping and treating the umbilical string, iron administration, tail docking, identification, treating splaylegged piglets, providing supplemental nutrients, and castration. These skills can exist performed in different means and in the sequence of personal preference. Some producers elect not to perform all these procedures, or they prefer to delay some of them for 3 to four days to reduce stress on the very fragile one-day-onetime piglet. Those who operate pasture farrowing systems tend to do all their processing of piglets during the start day later farrowing, because the piglets are easier to catch. Producers recording mortality rates from birth to weaning in excess of 15% may consider delaying teeth clipping, tail docking, and castration of smaller piglets for a few days.

Equipment

Have all the equipment you need to process piglets bundled in a hand-held carrier which can exist attached to a pig cart preferably on wheels. Supplies and equipment needed to process piglets as described in this fact sail are: disinfectant, such equally chlorhexadine (Nolvasan®) or 4th ammonium compounds; antiseptic, such every bit tamed iodine (United states of americaP. 1 to two.5% solution), usually in a spray bottle; side cutters; supplemental iron; syringe with eighteen to 20 guess, 1/ii to 5/8 inch needles and a 14-16 gauge 1 to ane 1/ii inch needle (optional); string or plastic clips for tying off umbilical cords; V-ear notcher or small brute tattoo pliers; adhesive, rubberband or duct tape cut in i/2 to 3/4 inch strips; castration knife or scalpel; shallow container for disinfectant in which to put the cut edge of instruments betwixt uses.

Disease Transfer

While processing piglets, take steps to minimize transfer of illness. This can be done by processing sick litters concluding, cleaning and disinfecting the box or cart yous utilise to transport piglets when you finish for the twenty-four hours or before you move to another room to process, and dipping instruments into a disinfectant later you take processed each piglet. Exist certain to change the disinfectant daily or after processing every tenth litter, whichever comes outset.

Personal Safety

Be careful when removing piglets from the farrowing quarters. Sows often attempt to bite or grab yous to protect their litter. Always have the farrowing crate or another sturdy sectionalization betwixt you and the sow before y'all effort to choice upward a piglet.

Holding the Piglet

Hold the piglet and so you can cutting the teeth, tail, and umbilical string and administer iron in very rapid succession without changing your grip. For a right-handed person: place your left thumb into the crease be-hind the piglet's right ear well-nigh midway from top to lesser. Maneuver your left index finger across the front of the piglet's face and into the corner of the left side of its mouth, behind the needle teeth. Your left thumb will stop upwardly either backside the piglet'due south ears or in forepart of them depending upon the length of your fingers (Figure 1). Beware not to asphyxiate the piglet by pressing the remainder of your fingers into its throat. Use the fingers nether the jaw to back up some of the piglet's weight. Dangle the piglet in front of you, and information technology will struggle less than if yous pull information technology confronting you. Yous tin can too sit down and support its weight on your knees if necessary.

Figure 1. Belongings the piglet.

Umbilical Cord Care

The umbilical cord, which enables the fetus to obtain nutrients from the dam and expel wastes during pregnancy, usually does not require much attention. While it is possible that bacteria and viruses tin can travel upwards the string after the piglet is born and cause infection or that piglets can drain excessively from it, these situations are rare.

If excess bleeding occurs from the umbilical cord, necktie it off immediately with cord using a square or surgeon'south knot (Figure 2) or clench it with a commercially available plastic clip. Seldom do newborn piglets need to have their umbilical cords tied or clamped. Sometimes newborn piglets bleed excessively immediately afterward the umbilical cord breaks, especially if it breaks shorter than 4 to five inches. The loss of blood may cause the piglet to perform poorly or die. The crusade of the backlog bleeding could be due to a failure of the piglet's clotting mechanism.

Figure two. A. square knot; B. surgeon'south knot.

If the cord is not dried up but fresh at the fourth dimension of processing, cut it off with disinfected side cutters. If the umbilical cord has been tied, you can exit about one inch. Leave iii or 4 inches if the umbilical cord has not been tied; cheque for bleeding. Apply iodine clarified by swabbing, spraying, or dipping. The dip method requires placing the umbilical cord inside the clarified bottle and shaking gently. Any of these methods is satisfactory, merely exist sure to get expert coverage of the umbilical cord. Utilise disinfected side cutters and a fresh iodine solution (changed daily if dipping or swabbing, since iodine solutions break down in the presence of organic affair). A contaminated iodine solution might really cause an infection.

If the string is dry and shriveled, it is not necessary to treat. Just cut information technology off, leaving one to iii inches of string. (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Clipping the navel cord.

Needle Teeth Clipping

The newborn piglet has viii needle teeth, sometimes referred to equally wolf teeth, located on the sides of the upper and lower jaws. Many producers prune these within 24 hours subsequently nascence to reduce the risk piglets will lacerate each other and/or the sow's udder. Some producers take stopped teeth clipping entirely while others exercise it as needed and they have not observed any serious issues. Information technology seems less necessary to prune teeth of piglets nursing well-milking sows. However, in cases when sows are not milking well, or if greasy pig disease is a problem, teeth clipping appears necessary for optimum results.

• Employ abrupt cutters without nicks in the blades. Otherwise, teeth will exist crushed, which could lead to infection. Too, replace side cutters that take jaws that practice not see squarely. Avert ordinary wire cutters every bit they ofttimes are non fabricated with the quality of steel necessary to cut teeth adequately.
• Cut away one-half of the molar. Practice non remove the unabridged tooth and avoid crushing or breaking information technology. Otherwise, an infection is possible or the piglet may not nurse well. Avoid cutting the piglet'due south gum or tongue. This will probable make it difficult for the piglet to nurse.
• Cut the teeth off flat and not at an angle. Piglets are non every bit apt to crusade peel injuries when they fight if the teeth are cut off flat. Wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flight pieces of teeth.
• Hold the piglet as described previously, and place sterilized side cutters over both the lower needle teeth on one side of the mouth with the flat side of the cutter to the mucilage line. Place the side cutters parallel to the mucilage, and cut off 1-half of the two lower teeth at in one case (Effigy 4). Plow the side cutters over and cutting the two upper teeth (Figure v). Repeat on the other side of the oral cavity.

Figure iv. Clipping the needle teeth.

Figure 5. Clipping the needle teeth.

Tail Docking

The undocked tail is a very user-friendly target for tail bitter or cannibalism. This leads to injury and possibly infection. To reduce tail biting, dock (or cut off) the tail of newborn piglets within near 24 hours afterwards birth. Tail docking is commonly required by purchasers of early weaned or feeder pigs. Information technology should be done within almost 24 hours after nativity because it is to the lowest degree stressful on the piglet for these reasons: the piglets are small-scale and easy to concur; at this age, littermates are less probable to investigate and nip or bite a newly docked tail; the piglet and farrowing quarters are withal clean; and the piglet is well protected with antibodies from the colostrum of the sow. All the same, some producers delay docking the tails of male person piglets in the litter until castration. The males are easier to observe in a litter if their tails take not been docked.

Dock the tail about i inch (or width of your thumb) from the identify where the tail joins the body of the piglet. Cutting the tail also short could interfere with musculus activity around the anus afterwards in the piglet's life and could be an aggravating factor in rectal prolapse or rear leg paralysis. If too much tail is left, tail bitter might nevertheless occur. Occasionally, a tail will drain excessively. If this occurs, tie it off using the same method as for umbilical cords.

Use sterilized side cutters (most normally used), a chicken debeaker, or a special heated cutter to cauterize the cutting tail. Practice not use a very precipitous musical instrument, such as a scalpel, because excess bleeding may occur. To cauterize properly, cutting the tail slowly and then the hot blade has time to cauterize the tail as yous cut. Cauterizing leaves a cleaner wound that bleeds less than when side cutters are used. Apply an antiseptic to the wound. The tail should exist completely healed inside 7-10 days.

Supplemental Fe

Atomic number 26 is necessary to prevent anemia in piglets. Atomic number 26 deficiency anemia develops speedily in nursing piglets because of low iron reserves in the newborn piglet, the depression atomic number 26 in sow's colostrum and milk, the lack of contact with fe in the soil, and the rapid growth charge per unit of piglets. With no access to soil, iron deficiency anemia may result inside seven-10 days after birth.

Fe tin exist administered either by injection or orally. Injection is preferred because fe given orally is not likewise captivated past piglets, thus reducing the quantity of iron that reaches critical tissues. Oral iron besides may predispose some piglets to enteric disease (scour) issues, considering fe is a necessary nutrient for the growth of microorganisms in the piglet'due south digestive tract. In addition, oral atomic number 26 may not be captivated in piglets with diarrhea.

Figure 7. Injecting atomic number 26 into the neck muscle.

Administrate iron to piglets while they are i to three days quondam. Requite piglets 200mg of iron either as ane injection while they are one to three days quondam or in two-100 mg injections—ane between 1 and iii days of age and again at weaning. Injectable iron products are available in both the 100 and 200mg of atomic number 26/ml concentrations. Read the label carefully to learn the iron concentration of the product you are using. Do not overdose, as too much iron tin exist toxic.

Using a clean syringe, withdraw iron solution from its container, using a 14 or 16 gauge (big diameter) needle which is left inserted in bottle. The thought is to avoid using a contaminated needle to depict fe from the canteen. Otherwise, foreign affair and pathogens will likely be introduced into the bottle. Some producers decide to modify needles after they accept finished giving fe injections to each litter. In this instance, it is not necessary to use a different needle to draw atomic number 26 from the bottle.

Later on filling the syringe, utilise an eighteen-20 guess, five/8 to 1/2 inch needle to inject fe into the piglet'southward muscle. If there are air bubbles in the syringe, point the needle upward, tap the syringe and button the air out. Inject fe into the cervix muscle just off the midline (Figure vii). Iron should not be injected into the ham. The injection should be given in the neck considering of possible sciatic nerve damage, scarring, and also, because of residue atomic number 26 stain in the carcass of market hogs if it is given in the ham. If the injection site is dirty, wipe information technology make clean with an antiseptic before injecting. Exist careful not to inject into the spinal expanse.

Injecting. Be careful not to inject into the spinal area. Pull or roll dorsum the skin with your finger or bend the piglet'southward neck sideways prior to inserting the needle. Insert the needle perpendicular to site and inject. If you have pulled or rolled the pare back or aptitude the piglet'due south neck to tighten the pare properly, when the needle is withdrawn, the skin will assist seal the injection site and runback volition exist minimal. Consider placing a finger on the site momentarily to assist prevent or reduce runback if necessary. Exist sure to inject the fe into the muscle, non only beneath the skin.

For convenience, some producers mix various injectables together with iron and inject the solution into piglets while they are processed. This practice is not recommended unless prescribed past a veterinarian, considering it is possible that the products could be rendered ineffective and possibly toxic to piglets.

Piglet Identification

In some pork producing operations, it is important that piglets be permanently identified at nativity. Options for permanent identification included ear notching or tattooing. Ear notching is the more than common method. Each piglet must have a unique ear notch or tattoo in seedstock herds considering it is a requirement for pedigree and performance records. It is not necessary that each piglet have an private number in operations where all hogs except replacement gilts are marketed for slaughter. Each litter, or all piglets in a farrowing grouping, or merely gilts to exist considered for replacements might be ear notched or tattooed at birth with the same patterns.

The about mutual ear notching organization is shown in Figure eight. It is the identification system required past the purebred swine associations in the U.Southward. The litter number is notched in the piglet's right ear and the individual piglet number in the piglet'southward left ear. Several modifications of the system exist.

Utilise a V-ear notcher designed for piglets to ear notch. Some producers apply a pigsty puncher to identify a pigsty in one ear for identification. Firmly concord the ear yous are notching and place the portion of the ear you are notching well back into the jaws of the notcher (Figure 9). Notches that are too shallow may make full in, heal over, and be difficult to read. Go out at least i-fourth inch between notches. Do not make notches besides close to the tip of the ear, every bit these can exist torn off. When you have notches on both top and bottom of the ear near the tip, position them so that the deep points of the notches are offset from each other. When making notches on meridian of the ear close to the caput, uncurl the ear with your fingers and so yous tin brand it deep into the cartilage. Otherwise, it might be unreadable later information technology heals.

Use tattooing pliers designed for small animals to tattoo piglets. Apply the tattoo to the backside of the ear so it tin exist read hands as the piglet grows. Be sure to use fifty-fifty pressure level across the entire tattoo area (i.e., avert the cartilage ribs in the ear). Avoid tattooing piglets with color on their ears, because the tattoo will be difficult to read. Green ink seems to work the best.

Figure viii. Examples of ear-notching numbering systems: A. Universal earnotching organisation using litter and individual pig numbers; B. Using individual pig numbers.

Figure 9. Notching the left ear.

Supplemental Nutrients

Many liveborn piglets die considering they starve. Disadvantaged piglets are nigh affected because they cannot compete well for milk and they are most vulnerable to chilling. Producers can improve their survival charge per unit past giving a supplemental source of nutrients the commencement few hours of life.

Provide disadvantaged piglets with x to fifteen ml of milk every six to 12 hours during the first day or 2 following farrowing. The economical benefit of providing supplemental milk to piglets depends primarily on the preweaning survival rate of piglets in the herd and on the anticipated profit from the piglet. In general, if the average preweaning survival rate of piglets in the herd is over 90% and the market place value of the piglets is low, the cost of the extra labor to feed the small ones may non exist recovered.

It is critical that the start dose exist colostrum, specially if the piglet has not suckled. Colostrum from the dam is all-time, just obtaining it is time consuming. Commercial milk replacers have proven effective subsequently the piglets receive an adequate dose of colostrum. Some people use products containing medium concatenation fatty acids (MCT) in lieu of milk, merely inquiry results on their effectiveness are mixed. Use a stomach tube or a syringe to give the supplemental milk to the piglets.

Splaylegged Piglets

Splaylegged piglets announced to be normal except when they attempt to stand up, their hind legs (and sometimes front legs) extend sideways. The condition appears to be a built illness with a higher incidence in litters with a 113 mean solar day or shorter gestation menses. Also, a slippery floor in the farrowing quarters can be an important predisposing factor. Diet does not announced to play a role. The mortality rate in piglets where merely the back legs are splayed can be reduced past taping the legs soon subsequently birth to prevent them from extending sideways. Piglets that are splayed in both their front end and back legs often are not worth trying to save. Consider euthanizing them.

Use either elastic wrapping tape, agglutinative tape, or duct tape. Obtain rubberband tape from medical supply stores or veterinary offices and adhesive record from sporting goods store or pharmacies. Cutting the tape in i/2 to 3/4 inch strips. Apply record to the rear legs assuasive a two-inch gap between legs so the piglet can stand properly. Avoid wrapping the tape too tightly as to restrict apportionment of blood and exist certain to remove the tape a few days later.

Castration

Castration, the surgical removal of the 2 testicles, is a routine direction practice for male piglets destined for slaughter. The testicles produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone. Pork from boars, or uncastrated male piglets at slaughter weight, may have an odor during cooking that is very offensive to many people. This is chosen a "boar odor" or a "boar taint".

There are various ways to castrate piglets. The position of the animal during surgery and the method and degree of restraint are dictated by the historic period and size of the animal. The best time to castrate a piglet is when it is four to 14 days of age. Young piglets are easier to hold or restrain, bleed less from surgery, and have antibiotic protection from the sow'southward colostrum and milk. Piglets can be successfully castrated when they are less than four days former; withal, one of the major disadvantages of castrating very young piglets is that scrotal hernias are more than difficult to observe and the testicles may not have descended.

Examine each piglet carefully before castrating to place those with a scrotal hernia. A piglet with a scrotal hernia has a loop of intestine in its scrotum. Hold the piglet upright so the scrotum is downwards to run across if the scrotum is compatible in size, or hold the piglet with its head down and squeeze the dorsum legs together to lift the testicles. If at that place is an enlargement in one or both halves of the scrotum, the piglet probably has a hernia. Do not desexualize the piglet unless you are trained to repair hernias. The piglet'southward intestines volition exist forced through the incision. Sometimes the testicle is removed before a scrotal hernia is discovered. If this happens, the herniation must be repaired past suturing immediately. Most scrotal hernias are genetic in origin. Do not go along replacement animals from any litter in which ane or more piglets was herniated.

If one or both testicles are not found, the piglet may be a cryptorchid. This means that the testicle(s) failed to descend through the inguinal canal from the abdomen during development. When this condition is noticed, ear notch or marker the piglet and make a record of it. Ofttimes, the testicle(s) will descend to a normal position as the piglet grows. The piglet should be castrated after the testicle presents itself. If one testicle has descended at the time of castration, information technology should be removed. Utilise either a surgical knife or side cutter to castrate. The surgical knife can exist either a #12 hooked blade or directly blade. The instrument of selection must exist precipitous and disinfected. If the scrotum is muddy, clean it and surrounding surface area with a cotton wool swab soaked in a mild disinfectant.

Castration Methods for One Person Using a Knife

Concord the piglet by both hind legs with its head down. Push upwards on both testicles and make an incision through the pare toward the tail (Figure ten). Be sure to cut low in the scrotal sac to ensure skilful drainage. It does not matter if yous cutting through the white membrane or not. Pop the testicles through the incision and pull on them slightly. Pull each testicle out pressing your thumb against the pelvis of the piglet. Use of your thumb is very of import to ensure the cord will break off at the point of your pollex and not from deeper inside the piglet's body. Otherwise, you may cause a hernia.

Alternatively, place the piglet's head between your legs after y'all have made the incisions as described in a higher place, grab each testicle and cut the string close to the incision with a scraping movement. Besides, cutting any cord or tissue protruding from the incisionand spray the wound with an antiseptic.

Effigy x. One person castrating a young hog.

Castration Method for One Person Using Side Cutters

This technique is best performed on piglets between four and 10 days of age. There is little or no haemorrhage with this method. Concur the piglet betwixt your legs with the belly outward. Employ your alphabetize finger, or whichever is comfy to employ, to button up on one testicle to make it more pronounced. The resulting fold of pare is where the incision is made (Figure 11a). Position disinfected side cutters about twothirds of the manner into the fold and make a cut directly through the scrotal tissue (right of the midline). Make a like incision through the scrotal tissue, only to the left of the midline. Pop the testicles out through the incisions by pinching your thumb and index finger together (Figure 11b).

Printing very firmly with your index finger confronting the pelvis of the piglet in front of the scrotum and pull the testicles out with the side cutters (Figure 11c). Use of your index finger is very important to ensure the cord will interruption off at the betoken of your index finger and not from deeper inside the piglet's body. Otherwise, you may cause a hernia. Care is taken to avoid cutting through the cords below the testicle. Remove whatever loose cord tissue left outside the incision. Zero but the disinfected side cutters touches the exposed tissue. Spray the wound with an antiseptic.

Figure 11. Castration using sidecutters: A. Making the incision; B. Exposing the testicles; C. Removing the testicle.

Castration Method for Two People Using a Knife

One person holds the piglet by the rear legs while some other does the castrating. With one hand, tighten the skin over the scrotum to aid expose the testicle and the site for the incision. With the castration pocketknife, brand two incisions about as long as the testicles near the middle of each (Figure 12a ). Cut securely plenty to get through the outside body skin. It does not affair whether you cutting through the white membrane (tunica vaginalis), which surrounds the testicle, or not. Squeeze, or pop, the testicles through the incision (Effigy 12b ). Enlarge the incision slightly at the end closest to the tail if the testicle will non pop out.

Pull out the end of the testicle which is toward the tail at a correct bending to the length of the body and cut the cord close to the incision (Figure 12c). Do not pull straight upward on the testicle. Repeat the process for the 2nd testicle. Spray the wound with an antiseptic.

Effigy 12. Castration procedure for pigs several weeks old: A.Making the incision; B. Squeezing out the testicles; C. Cut the cord

Mail service-Castration Care

Observe castrated animals for backlog haemorrhage or the presence of tissue or intestines (hernia). Apply pressure to the wound for virtually two minutes to finish any bleeding. Cutting off any cord that may exist protruding from the incision as this may serve as a wick for infection, simply make sure it is not intestine.

If intestines beetle and they are black or torn, it is usually all-time to euthanize the piglet. If the problem was recognized promptly afterwards the intestines came out, it is possible to relieve the piglet. Showtime, gently make clean the intestines with clean, warm water containing a surgical disinfectant, and push button them back through the opening holding the piglet'south head down by its rear legs. Shut upwards by suturing the tunica vaginalis (white membrane which surrounds the testicle). If a skilled professional is not available to suture the tunica vaginalis, merely suture the castration incision closed to allow time for a skilled surgeon to repair the hernia properly a few hours later. If a skilled surgeon is not available in a few hours, the piglet should exist euthanized. Information technology is much easier to replace the intestines if the tunica vaginalis roofing the testicle is non removed during castration. Administer an antibiotic after surgery.

Equipment Care

Proper equipment care will help ensure that piglets will be processed with minimal discomfort and complications from infection. Later each use, identify equipment such every bit side cutters and ear notchers in a bowl of nonirritating disinfectant. Do this rather than laying equipment on the cart or platform after they take been used to procedure each piglet. Alter the disinfectant afterwards about every ten litters. Earlier moving to another farrowing room to procedure, clean and disinfect the cart and equipment. Also, check needles to ensure they are not bent or blunt on the finish. Replace needles afterward they have been used on 30-50 piglets or before if damaged. Dispose of needles in a sharps container.

Weighing

Pork producers who use nascency weights as role of their direction system tin can contain the weighing into the piglet processing routine. Most piglets are not weighed at birth, but if they are, this should be done first, followed by the balance of the processing. Some producers counterbalance each piglet and tape the sexual activity and weight. Others identify the entire litter on the scales and tape full litter weight.

Records

We recommend pork producers use production records to identify strengths and weaknesses in the operation. If problems are experienced in the farrowing quarters, these issues volition continue to propagate if accurate records are not kept. It is important to realize that reproductive traits are heritable. Tape keeping allows superior sows to be identified and retained on the farm. This will lead to successive improvements in lactational performance which should pb to fewer problems in the farrowing quarters.

In addition, accurate records provide an important view of the animal caretaker's job operation. Records assist management identify people who are doing a adept job (which may exist rewarded) and they assist place weak areas that the caretaker tin can work to improve.

Records kept in the farrowing quarters include: birth engagement, number of piglets built-in alive and dead, engagement and cause of expiry of piglets, full-blooded information, number of piglets weaned, and piglet (or litter) weaning weight. Remarks on anything unusual or wrong with the piglet should be noted as well. In addition, many producers are recording feed intake during lactation. Medications given to animals should be recorded to ensure treatment protocols and withdrawal periods are followed.

Take cards, clipboards, or other recording devices near each farrowing crate or pen. Having the opportunity to tape information the moment it is collected or observed ensures accuracy. Always take a pencil or pen in your pocket and also with the equipment used to process piglets. Tape information in ink whenever possible and practical. This makes the forms easier to read and ink also withstands the environment of the farrowing quarters better. Too, record data in legible handwriting and get in a habit to write your initials beside the entry if more than than one person routinely works in the farrowing quarters.

Daily Piglet Observation

Closely find each piglet at least twice daily for testify of adequate milk production past the sow. Careful observation of piglet behavior and body condition is the all-time method of determining if a sow is milking well. Lactation failure must be treated aggressively and the litter may need to be given supplemental milk equally the sow is recovering.

Healthy, well-nourished piglets run around and play, especially when the sow rises to eat. For the starting time few days of their lives, piglets practise little more than than swallow and sleep. All the same, in a few days they begin to exist active abroad from the udder. These activities are delayed in piglets that are ill or undernourished. Subsequently a successful nursing, piglets volition often settle downwardly and slumber. Milk is oftentimes seen effectually their mouths.

In the normal sow, milk ejection from the teats starts about i to 3 minutes following initiation of nursing behavior (which occurs about one time each hour in early lactation). Then oxytocin is released and milk letdown occurs. The piglets volition nurse steadily for nigh xxx seconds then gradually quit. Piglets nursing a sow with lactation failure will spend more time at the udder, including fighting, and volition be less content. If the piglets' needle teeth have not been clipped, they can inflict severe damage to the faces and snouts of litter mates and sometimes to the sow's udder.

Well-nourished piglets have tight, shiny skin and a thrifty await, i.e., "bloom". Piglets become from having less than 1% body fat at birth to almost 10% by ten days of historic period. Much of that fat is stored just under the skin. It is that rapid accumulation of subcutaneous fat that gives piglets tight, shiny skin and a thrifty look. Piglets that are not performing well, accept loose skin, look depressed, and accept a "hairy" appearance.

Preventing Piglets' Exposure to Diseases

Preventing piglets from encountering disease agents (primary prevention) involves five bones areas: (1) source and handling of primary and replacement breeding stock, (ii) rules governing motility of people, vehicles, materials, and pigs, (3) layout of the farm, (iv) location of a new farm, and (v) cleaning the farrowing quarters and the sow.

We recommend producers divert more resource to primary and secondary prevention techniques. Less emphasis should be placed on the less effective and more costly approach of using drugs and biologics to treat sick piglets. How much to divert and the response to expect will depend on the current status of the herd. A record program that tin can store the necessary information and permit information retrieval in a usable format is the footing of an constructive health program.

Infant Grunter Infectious Diseases and Treatment Protocols

The nearly important aspects of maintaining the health of piglets is to ensure they receive as much colostrum equally possible and that they have a warm, typhoon-costless surroundings. Regardless, piglets will dice of disease and the causes can be broadly classified as those occurring regularly (endemic) or only occasionally (epidemic). Although the causes will vary past farm, the typical endemic disease will cause bug continually and contribute to a low-level "normal" neonatal mortality of v-15%. Colibacillosis and Coccidiosis are frequently endemic diseases. In contrast, a disease such every bit Transmissable Gastroenteritis can cause an epidemic of neonatal losses up to 100% and final for many weeks.

Diagnosis. Determining the crusade of neonatal grunter losses is not easy because few diseases produce signs that are unique to the causative agent. For example, babe pig scours can be caused past a bacteria, virus, or parasite and you cannot distinguish between them past the nature of the scours. Your veterinarian can assistance you in obtaining a diagnosis and recommending handling. It's expensive and wasteful to begin treating if you're unsure of the cause of the illness then information technology is important to obtain a diagnosis and care for accordingly. For the experienced observer, some diseases which occur regularly on the subcontract can be recognized by farm managers and treatment instituted as presently equally the signs are recognized. However, if the piglets do not reply to treatment, and so contact your veterinary to reassess the situation and check the diagnosis.

Treatment. Advisable treatment volition vary depending on the cause of the disease. Provided the organisms are sensitive, antibiotics will usually convalesce a bacterial infection; even so, antibiotics volition not bear on viruses or parasites. Sometimes antibiotics are recommended to help prevent secondary infection when the chief infection is a virus or parasite. In these cases, the antibiotics do not bear on the organism causing the disease, they merely help ensure that bacteria exercise not take advantage of the weakened piglet. Treatments for individual diseases are discussed below. Remember that all drugs must be administered co-ordinate to characterization directions unless your veterinarian has directed you to exercise otherwise.

Ordinarily Seen in Unweaned Piglets (Listed Alphabetically)

Clostridial Infections. The disease is caused when Clostridium perfringens, which is a normal inhabitant in the big intestine, becomes established in the small intestine. This unremarkably occurs when the piglet has had insufficient intake of colostrum. Its severity volition vary dependent on the type, A, B, or C (the most astringent), but piglets usually develop a foul smelling diarrhea and many volition die. It is more unremarkably seen in piglets less than seven days old. Antitoxins can be injected into sows and piglets and oral ampicillin is commonly recommended.

Congenital Tremor. Near pork producers have seen newborn pigs with tremors and shaking muscles. Information technology tends to come up and get sporadically merely seems to be more common in gilt herds, where 80% of litters tin take affected piglets. The disease is associated with infections with Pseudorabies virus, Japanese Encephalomyelitis virus, Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera) and Circovirus. It is also associated with hereditary disease in Landrace and Saddleback breeds or with organophosphate poisoning. Afflicted piglets must exist assisted to suckle and provided for until they grow out of the disease in a few weeks.

Greasy Hog Disease. (Exudative Dermatitis).  Greasy pig disease is often a problem in newly established golden herds. The causative bacterium, Staphylococcus hyicus, infects the peel of a piglet and produces a toxin that amercement its liver and kidneys. A piglet is usually infected at, or before long afterward, birth. Lacerations on the side of the face, made by unclipped needle-teeth as piglets scramble for the best teat on the sows' udders, are thought to be the site where the bacterium often first infects the piglet. The first clinical signs appear betwixt four to 35 days when pocket-sized dark spots announced on the side of the face. Then, brown scales develop on the underside of the piglet which, in serious cases, spread to embrace the whole piglet. Severely affected piglets usually dice and survivors do poorly. Affected herds can suffer decreased growth performance for 12 months. The disease is readily recognized by its typical advent, and treatment is most successful when started as soon as signs appear. Before antibiotic treatment is started, affected alive piglets should be submitted to a laboratory to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of Staphylococcus hyicus Greasy pig disease is hard to control unless mange is commencement eliminated. The mange mites damage the skin and allow Staphylococcus hyicus to enter. Affected piglets should be given electrolytes orally considering they become dehydrated rapidly. Some farms experiencing astringent outbreaks have had success using an autogenous vaccine. The disease tin be prevented past removing any precipitous edges in the farrowing crate that may lacerate the piglets, cutting needle teeth, spraying the udder of the sow with an iodine based disinfectant, adopt an all-in/all out policy for the farrowing house and ensure the room is thoroughly disinfected and dry earlier sows enter.

Sometimes Seen in Unweaned Piglets

Eperythrozoonosis. (Epe). Epe is a difficult disease to both empathize and treat. The causative rickettsial organism, Eperythrozoon suis, is present in the blood of sows in both healthy and diseased herds. In some piglets, it attaches itself to blood-red blood cells and destroys them causing anemia. Affected piglets are weak, pale, and jaundiced, take scours and pneumonia, and suffer loftier mortality. Earlier attempting to treat for Epe, information technology is very important to have your veterinarian confirm the diagnosis. The response to drug handling is poor and, at the time of writing, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any drug for treating Epe. Eperythrozoon suis is spread by infected blood then, when attempting to control an epidemic, it is very of import to clean and disinfect instruments between piglets when processing. Anything that can upshot in blood beingness transferred between piglets must be controlled including parasites, fighting, tagging, and injections.

Glasser's Illness. Glasser's Disease is acquired by Hemophilus parasuis which is nowadays in well-nigh herds. It has become more of import in recent years with piglet mortality sometimes exceeding 50% in high-health condition herds. The affliction unremarkably affects weaned pigs, but suckling piglets tin can be affected. Often the heaviest, best looking, piglets die. Pigs are fevered, depressed, slow to ascension, lack appetite, and have bloated joints. Some have nervous signs such as tremors. Before they die, the skin often turns blue and the eyes are reddened. The organism is hard to grow so diagnosis is usually made solely on clinical signs and postmortem findings. Hemophilus parasuis is sensitive to a wide range of antibiotics including the penicillins, tetracyclines, and ceftiofur. It is all-time to starting time treatment as early as possible and a combination of injectable and water medication is ordinarily indicated. In trouble herds, autogenous vaccines can be useful.

Parasites (See PIH-05-04-01)

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). PRRS is usually only seen in unweaned piglets when the disease starting time infects a naive herd. Piglets may cough, sneeze, and have diarrhea, conjunctivitis, and difficulty breathing. Signs in individual herds will vary because of the effects of unlike secondary infections. Individual piglets should be rehydrated and treated with antibiotics to control secondary infections. A herd control program should be formulated in conjunction with the attending veterinarian.

Tetanus. Tetanus is rare in piglets but sometimes the causative bacterium, Clostridium tetani, will infect piglets when they are castrated. Because the incubation flow is i-10 weeks, signs are rarely seen until the pigs are at to the lowest degree 2 weeks erstwhile. Affected piglets are strong, take an cock tail, and facial muscle spasms. For trouble herds, an effective vaccine is available. Managers should review castration and other processing procedures to ensure they are using hygienic techniques.

Rarely Seen in Unweaned Piglets

The diseases mentioned above are the main ones found in suckling piglets. Other diseases may rarely occur—when they practice, it is usually associated with overwhelming infection in a naive herd. Those illness include: Mange, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Actinobacillosis suis, Brucellosis, Erysipelas, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Influenza.

Methods of Euthanasia for Infant Pigs

Euthanizing animals is an unpleasant but necessary part of livestock farming. Producers often have to euthanize piglets because they are sick and suffering with little-or-no adventure of recovery. Some piglets should be euthanized because if left to live they become a source of infection for their pen or littermates. This situation is particularly important in the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) era when removing the poor-doing, PRRS- virus-carrying piglets is an important part of controlling the disease. In these and other similar situations, euthanasia is the humane and responsible solution. Piglets should be euthanized past exposure to carbon dioxide or edgeless mechanical trauma to the head. Electrocution is adequate simply it can be a human wellness safety hazard, and piglets must be candy one at a time making it very fourth dimension consuming. Controlled drugs (east.one thousand., barbiturates) are very effective simply present major human health risks and should be used only by veterinarians.

Carbon Dioxide

Obtain a cylinder of carbon dioxide, a regulator, a l-gallon trash tin and a supply of plastic trash bags to fit the can. Take a trash bag and blow it upward, like a balloon, with the carbon dioxide. This ensures that the handbag is total of carbon dioxide. Place the bag in the trash can, add together upwards to six piglets, and close the purse. The piglets will exhibit a physiologically induced curt period of musculus spasms as they rapidly die from respiratory abort. Leave the piglets for at least 15 minutes, so open up the purse and check each piglet to ensure that information technology has died before disposing of information technology normally. Your veterinarian can show you how to check for a middle beat and the corneal reflex.

Edgeless Mechanical Trauma

Place the piglet on the ground and apply a quick, business firm accident with a edgeless instrument, such as a hammer, to the piglet's head. The point to aim for is where two imaginary lines, fatigued from the base of each ear to the opposite middle, cross. Alternatively, agree the piglet by its hind legs and forcefully hit the piglet's head against a hard surface such every bit concrete. Immediately repeat the above procedures procedures if there is whatever possibility that the beast is still live.

Subcontract managers demand to exist sensitive to the aversion many people have to euthanizing animals and ensure they assign the task to someone who is comfortable with the job. Many people entering the pork industry nowadays do non have a farming groundwork and are not accustomed to routine farming practices. If people are not comfy with the job and they observe no relief, their feelings tin can result in absenteeism, belligerence, or careless and callous handling of animals, and high staff turnover.

Reference: On farm euthanasia of swine—Options for the producer.  AASP and NPPC booklet.

Pitter-patter Feeding

Creep feeding is recommended beginning at about 10 days of historic period for piglets weaned at three weeks of age and subsequently. Sow milk yield typically plateaus at about 12-xvi days of lactation indicating that sufficient nutrients will non exist bachelor thereafter to sustain maximal piglet growth. For piglets weaned at less than three weeks of age, the value of pitter-patter feed is questionable, because they often consume very little feed. If creep feed is offered, employ techniques to ensure piglets consume the feed.

Some management techniques that help improve creep feed intake are below.

• Use the proper diet. The complexity of the diet is a big factor affecting success of creep feeding. Piglets will swallow more of a diet that has several speciality ingredients (due east.g., plasma proteins, whey, etc.) than a simpler one. A feed provided in a mini-pellet form is preferred as well. Therefore, use a diet specially made for creep feeding.
• Accept fresh water bachelor. Piglets that take access to fresh water eat more feed than those who don't. Special nipple waterers are available for piglets.
• Keep the feed fresh. Piglets must be attracted to the feed, which means feed cannot smell like the surroundings. Offer express amounts of feed to the piglets several times daily and shop the feed in a facility or room separate from pigs. Remove stale or uneaten feed from the farrowing quarters daily.
• Brand the feed hands accessible. When introducing creep feed, sprinkle small quantities on the flooring or in a shallow pan.

Dissever Weaning

Where piglet flow direction allows it, separate weaning is a technique that can give slower growing piglets a boost merely before weaning. The process involves weaning the heavier piglets in a litter a few days before weaning the smaller ones. This allows smaller piglets access to a larger milk supply with less competition. To ensure that smaller piglets in the litter will benefit from split up weaning, wean the heaviest piglets three to v days early.

This technique may shorten the weaning-to-oestrus interval in sows, especially in those left with just a few piglets for the last couple days of lactation. This may alter breeding schedules slightly.

Reference to products in this publication is non intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may exist similar. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their use in accord with current directions of the manufacturer. The information represented herein is believed to exist accurate but is in no mode guaranteed. The authors, reviewers, and publishers presume no liability in connection with whatsoever apply for the products discussed and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in that respect, nor tin can it be assumed that all condom measures are indicated herein or that additional measures may be required. The user therefore, must assume full responsibility, both as to persons and equally to holding, for the use of these materials including whatever which might be covered by patent. This material may be available in alternative formats.

Information developed for the Pork Information Gateway, a project of the U.S. Pork Eye of Excellence supported fully by USDA/Agricultural Enquiry Service, USDA/Cooperative Land Research, Education, and Extension Service, Pork Checkoff, NPPC, state pork associations from Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Utah, and the Extension Services from several cooperating Land-Grant Institutions including Iowa State Academy, N Carolina Country University, University of Minnesota, University of Illinois, Academy of Missouri, University of Nebraska, Purdue University, The Ohio State Academy, Southward Dakota Land University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin, Texas A & M University, Virginia Tech Academy, Academy of Tennessee, North Dakota State Academy, Academy of Georgia, University of Arkansas, and Colorado State Academy.

Why Did the Baby Pig Eat So Much Answer Key

Source: https://porkgateway.org/resource/baby-pig-management-birth-to-weaning/

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