Piglet diarrhea occurs from time to time throughout China and seriously threatens the healthy development of the pig industry. Now that autumn and winter are approaching, piglet diarrhea is an issue that our farmers need to pay particular attention to. The following are key points for preventing piglet diarrhea in autumn and winter:
1 Strengthen insulation
Temperature fluctuations between day and night in autumn and winter can easily lead to diarrhea. Cement floors in particular can chill piglets' abdomens, triggering faster gastrointestinal motility and even spasms, which can cause diarrhea. Wooden flooring and keeping the floor warm can be effective ways to counter temperature fluctuations. For small-scale farms, installing a heated kang bed may also be considered when necessary. Inspect and repair the pigsty, ensuring there are no drafts.
A suitable room temperature is indicated when piglets are spread out and lying evenly in the heated area. If they huddle together, the temperature is too low; if they move away from the heated area, the temperature is too high.
2, Ensure piglets receive enough colostrum
Colostrum is an essential source of nutrition for newborn piglets. Ensuring that piglets receive enough colostrum not only provides timely energy and strengthens their constitution, but also improves their disease resistance and ability to adapt to the external environment. During the cold autumn and winter seasons, small or weak newborn piglets may not be able to find a teat and suckle in time, or may even become so chilled that they cannot suckle. In such cases, they should be assisted manually and guided to a teat.
3, Control feed intake
During autumn and winter, temperatures are low. To maintain their body temperature, piglets instinctively increase their feed intake, which can easily lead to malabsorptive diarrhea. Newly weaned piglets, however, may eat less or even refuse to eat due to weaning stress, resulting in starvation diarrhea.
4, Introduce creep feed as early as possible before weaning
It is recommended that each piglet be supplemented with at least 600 grams of piglet feed before weaning, to strengthen gastrointestinal digestive function before weaning so that piglets can adapt to eating feed, especially plant-based feed, after weaning; establish immune tolerance to crude protein in the feed; and reduce allergic reactions to dietary antigens. Creep feeding generally begins at 7 days of age. Scatter a small amount of creep feed near the entrances and exits of the piglet warming area to encourage feeding, replacing it 2–3 times a day to keep it fresh. After 2 weeks of age, put the creep feed in a feeder. The amount offered should be what the piglets can finish within 4 hours. Feed small amounts frequently.
5, Strengthen the feeding and management of lactating sows
The sow’s own poor physical condition can also affect the condition of the piglets at birth, making them prone to diarrhea. In addition, a decline in the sow’s physical condition can affect milk quality and have a considerable impact on diarrhea in nursing piglets. In production, the nutrient concentration of the lactating sow’s diet is generally increased; fats are added to raise energy levels; high-quality fish meal, soybean meal, and meat and bone meal are used to improve crude protein absorption and utilization; and compound amino acids are added to balance the levels of various amino acids. Do not feed moldy feed.
6 Strengthen management in other areas
When performing procedures such as piglet navel-string cutting, tail docking, tooth clipping, and ear notching, minimize stress as much as possible. Disinfect thoroughly to prevent bacterial or viral infections, and inject an adequate dose of iron supplement and vitamin D and colloidal calcium. Keep the pig housing clean and sanitary. Remove feces and urine promptly, and keep the area clean and dry. Do not wash it down with water.