Weaned pigs are difficult to raise in autumn! Large temperature swings, frequent diarrhea and coughing—how can these problems be prevented?

Common problems in weaned piglets in autumn

　　Diarrhea rates in piglets increase in autumn. The temperature drops considerably from the hot summer to the cool autumn, and the difference between day and night can reach 10℃, which can easily cause diarrhea in weaned piglets and affect their growth. When piglets are weaned, their ability to regulate body temperature is not yet fully developed, so they need a comfortable ambient temperature of 26℃~28℃.

　　Respiratory diseases become more prevalent. In autumn, ventilation is important for regulating the temperature and humidity in the pig house. On the one hand, inadequate ventilation allows harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide to build up. These gases are not only unpleasant to smell but also highly irritating and corrosive to pigs’ eyes and respiratory mucous membranes. Pigs kept in this environment are much more likely to develop respiratory diseases. On the other hand, excessive ventilation can let cold air into the pig house and cause respiratory diseases such as coughing in piglets. The suitable humidity for weaned piglets is 65%~70%. Excessive humidity can cause diseases such as dermatitis and mange, while excessively dry conditions can increase dust and trigger diseases such as wheezing and atrophic rhinitis.

　　Moldy feedIt affects piglet production performance. Autumn brings frequent rain, and stored feed can easily become moldy. If farmers mix their own feed, they should regularly check the quality of corn and fish meal. Any problems should be dealt with as early as possible. Feed that is severely moldy must not be fed under any circumstances, to prevent poisoning.

　　In addition, if pigs eat too late around dusk, eat too much, and lie down to sleep immediately after eating, the stomach contents may become distended. When exposed to the cold at night, abnormal fermentation of the stomach contents can cause fever and loss of appetite. Feed pigs at set times and in set amounts in the evening, and allow them sufficient time to digest after eating. If feeding is late, provide appropriate exercise or reduce the amount of feed.

　　Feeding management and preventive measures

First, temperature is the most important factor. Heating facilities should be prepared before temperatures change. Whenever temperatures change suddenly, nighttime insulation can be reinforced to be prepared for unexpected conditions and minimize losses caused by natural factors. Repair the pig housing and seal areas where drafts enter to prevent cold air from getting in.

Balancing insulation and ventilation. Ventilation is the best way to reduce humidity and improve air quality in pig housing. The most effective ventilation measure is to open a vent in the ceiling. This allows large amounts of moisture and harmful gases inside the housing to be expelled as quickly as possible and replaced with fresh air, without opening doors or windows. However, ventilation should be regulated: ventilate more on sunny, warm days and less on cloudy, cold days, balancing ventilation with insulation.

Preventing respiratory diseases mainly involves improving the environment and using preventive medication when necessary. To transition a group of pigs from ventilation through large, open windows to the limited ventilation of an enclosed housing facility, the weather must be monitored constantly and airflow adjusted promptly by opening or closing the windows.

Transmissible gastroenteritis and epidemic diarrhea are common infectious diseases in autumn. If piglets are vaccinated two months in advance, the antibodies in their bodies can still protect them against pathogens when they grow up, greatly reducing the harm caused by these diseases.

　　Introduce creep feed as early as possible before weaning to improve piglets’ immunity. It is recommended that each piglet be fed at least 600 grams of piglet feed before weaning, strengthening gastrointestinal digestive function before weaning so piglets can adapt to eating feed, especially plant-based feed, after weaning. Establish immune tolerance to crude protein in feed and reduce allergic reactions to dietary antigens. Using microbial preparations in feed can improve the gastrointestinal environment, prevent diarrhea in piglets, and enhance their immunity and disease resistance.