Animal management
First, a lot of energy is needed to produce milk, increase in the feed intake as 2kg +0.4kg of feed is fed for optimal feed production for piglets. Increase feed amount with 0.5kg perday and move the sow to farrowing pen 5 dyas prior to farrowing which is designed to ensure optimal climate for the sow and piglets. It also prevents crushing of piglets when sow drops down for nursing and also enables to assist with birth process if necessary.
Similarly, the sow should be fied in between beams facing feeding troughs and not able to turn around and the sow should be able to keep in contact with her piglets. Both piglets and sow should have access to fresh water and make sure the sow is clean and disinfected before moving it to the farrowing pen.
Furthermore, recognise start of farrowing when udder fills up and in every 15 minutes, a piglet is born and endeavour to disinfect the your hands and equipments during farrowing. Keep lights on to minimise stress during farrowing, monitor growth of of piglets by weighing them once a week.
As manure indicate feed and water intake of sow, a good udder is well filled when sow is nursing laying her side down and milk production is estimated based on piglet weight and their behaviours. Move sow to insemination mating area when weaning and start providing it with flush feed.
Finally, farrowing period is over once piglets are weaned.
