After autumn begins, temperatures gradually drop and heat stress eases. Many pig farmers regard autumn as the golden season for raising pigs. Feed intake increases and pigs grow faster, making this a good time to increase weight gain and improve returns. However, as the day-night temperature gap widens and viruses and bacteria become more active, the current weak hog market means autumn pig raising brings both opportunities and risks. To get through this golden season steadily, focus not only on growth but also on preventing hidden risks.
I. Keep Feeding Steady and Control the Feed-to-Meat Ratio
After getting through the height of summer, the herd’s appetite gradually recovers. Many people rush to add feed aggressively to fatten their pigs, which can instead cause problems. In autumn, follow the principle of increasing feed gradually, adjusting the amount step by step according to the pigs’ weight and feed intake. Avoid overeating, which can strain the digestive system and cause diarrhea. Manage feed storage carefully: autumn weather tends to be humid, and corn and soybean meal can readily absorb moisture and develop mold. Moldy feed is a source of mycotoxins; in mild cases, it can reduce feed intake and slow growth, and in severe cases, it can trigger immunosuppression. Clean leftover feed from troughs promptly to prevent spoilage. Adjust formulations by growth stage: focus on gut health for nursery pigs, and balance energy and protein for finishing pigs. With little momentum behind the current hog-price rebound, reducing the feed-to-meat ratio is a direct way to protect profits.
Second, controlling temperature fluctuations is the first line of defense in autumn disease prevention
The biggest hidden threat in autumn is the temperature difference between day and night. Warm days and chilly mornings and evenings can easily cause pigs to catch cold, triggering a concentrated outbreak of respiratory problems: coughing, panting, and abdominal breathing may follow one after another. Once mixed infections occur, treatment costs are high and pigs lose weight quickly. Maintain balance in housing management: when daytime temperatures are high, provide moderate ventilation to remove harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and reduce humidity inside the housing; close doors and windows promptly in the early morning and evening to prevent cold drafts from blowing directly in. Do not rely solely on ventilation or on sealing the housing to retain heat. You can lay bedding in the aisles of the pig housing to reduce chilling of pigs’ abdomens; watch for pigs huddling together, as huddling is a sign that they are cold, and adjust the housing environment promptly.
Third, focus on preventing and controlling diseases that are prevalent in autumn
Autumn is a period of heightened disease risk, when PRRS, circovirus, influenza, porcine contagious pleuropneumonia, ileitis, and other diseases enter a high-incidence phase.
Build a solid foundation of immunity and complete vaccinations according to the immunization schedule. Do not delay them arbitrarily. Reduce stress-inducing procedures such as moving pigs between groups, mixing groups, and injections before and after immunization.
Maintain routine disinfection and rotate disinfectant products. Focus on disinfecting walkways, feed troughs, and water lines. Strictly apply isolation and disinfection procedures to outside vehicles and personnel to cut off external routes of transmission.
Monitor the condition of the herd and inspect the pens every day, paying attention to feed intake, feces, and breathing. Detect, isolate, and address problems early to prevent minor issues from developing into infection across the entire herd. Farms with the necessary resources can provide regular herd health care, prioritizing gut and respiratory health to improve the pigs’ natural resistance and reduce the likelihood of disease.
Four. Adjust the timing of marketing appropriately in line with market conditions
With strong growth in autumn, many pig farmers may consider holding pigs longer so they can sell them at a higher weight. In the current market environment, this carries relatively high risk. Supply pressure remains in the fourth quarter, with concentrated sales of heavy pigs and pigs from secondary fattening putting a ceiling on prices. Do not rely solely on strong autumn growth to hold pigs longer in the hope of higher prices. Make sales plans based on your farm’s financial pressure, herd weights, and health status. Do not keep pigs in average health for too long; sell them promptly to reduce feed costs and disease risks. For healthy, stable finishing pigs, plan sales timing reasonably and sell in batches to avoid price pressure caused by concentrated sales. Be especially cautious with secondary fattening, and calculate feed costs and the break-even point.
V. Pay Attention to Details of Water Sources and Biosecurity
Autumn dryness is pronounced, so ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water. Clean and descale water lines regularly to prevent biofilm and bacterial growth. Manage zones within the farm, keeping farrowing, nursery, and finishing areas separate, and do not share tools across zones. Remove manure promptly and dispose of it safely to reduce insect breeding. Although insect numbers gradually decline after autumn begins, insects can still transmit disease, so disinfection and pest control must not be neglected.
The golden period does not mean success is guaranteed. Raising pigs in autumn comes down to two key things: first, raise pigs well by maintaining survival rates, increasing average daily gain, and lowering the feed-to-meat ratio; second, assess the situation and understand market supply and demand, then arrange sales rationally without speculating blindly on market movements. Markets fluctuate in cycles, but good husbandry is something you can control. Put every detail of environmental control, feeding, and disease prevention into practice to turn autumn’s growth advantage into tangible returns.