In autumn and winter, the weather is cold, and farmers mostly raise pigs in open pens, typically for 6/7 months or even more than 10 months before they are ready for market. In winter, pigs can overwinter safely, grow quickly, and deliver high returns only if all “Eight Protections” are observed.
1, Protection Against Wind
In winter, pigsties must have wind holes blocked, straw curtains hung, and windows covered to stop drafts from blowing in through rat holes, cracks, gaps, damaged roofs, and other openings in the pens. These drafts not only lower the temperature inside the pigsty but can also cause illness in pigs. Ventilation openings may be left at a height of at least one meter above the ground.
2, Preventing dampness
Keeping pigpens dry is one of the main measures for ensuring the health of pigs. Air conducts heat, and the more humid it is, the more effectively it conducts heat. The heat dissipates from pigs’ bodies more quickly. Pigs become cold and may pile on top of one another, causing crushing injuries or even death; diseases are also more likely to occur. Therefore, clean out and add bedding to the pens frequently to keep them dry. Also train the pigs to defecate and urinate in designated places, so they have a dry place to lie down.
3, Preventing low temperatures
The most suitable temperature for pig growth is fifteen degrees Celsius to twenty-five degrees Celsius. The temperature for normal growth should generally also be above eight degrees Celsius. To ensure the normal growth and development of pigs, the best method is to raise them in a warm shelter: cover the entire roof of the pen with relatively thick plastic sheeting, with a slope of about thirty degrees to allow light in. If the temperature in the pen is too high at midday, ventilate it by opening it up to release air. Remove snow promptly after snowfall.
4, preventing cold food
In winter, pigs eat mainly to ward off the cold and gain weight. For sows, the aim is to ensure the normal growth and development of their fetuses. Therefore, appropriately increase energy feed in the ration to improve their ability to withstand the cold. When feeding a mixed ration, it is best to feed it dry. If a small amount of water needs to be mixed in, the water temperature should be around twenty-five degrees Celsius. If feeding a mash, the feed should be warm and given in small amounts frequently, to prevent it from getting cold or freezing.
5, preventing irregular feeding
Maintain consistent feed quality and feeding times. Formulate rations according to different production performance and growth stages, and avoid sudden changes in quality. If the feed needs to be changed, increase the amount and adjust feeding times gradually. 6, preventing cold drinking water. Pigs need a large amount of water, and access to water is very important. When they lose 10% of their body water, pigs will feel unwell and may die. Therefore, pigs must be supplied with water at all times. If no water is provided in the pen, pigs may eat snow or ice and drink urine, which can lead to digestive diseases or other illnesses. Therefore, provide a constant supply of warm, clean drinking water to help prevent illness and meet the pigs’ needs.
7, anti-fighting racks
For normal pig growth, feed must provide complete nutrition. A deficiency in one or more nutrients not only slows growth but may also lead to the bad habit of fighting, especially in winter when green fodder is scarce and this behavior is more likely to occur. Therefore, supplement the feed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements; separate pigs by strength and group them by size; and castrate them at the appropriate time.
8, disease prevention
In winter and spring, low temperatures and dry air make digestive tract diseases, respiratory diseases, and infectious diseases in pigs more likely. To ensure the healthy development of pig production, keep the pens clean and sanitary at all times. Wash and disinfect the pens or disinfect them by spraying medication regularly or as needed. Vaccinate the pigs, keep commonly used medicines on hand, and promptly isolate and treat any sick animals.