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Seven Steps to Reduce Piglet Mortality: A New Approach for Farmers

Update Understanding the Challenge of Piglet Mortality Piglet mortality remains a significant concern within the agricultural sector, particularly among swine producers. While increased freedom for sows in free-range farrowing systems is intended to enhance animal welfare, it often raises the risk of piglet mortality. To address this issue, key organizations, including the Vereniging Biologische Varkenshouders, have collaborated with the Louis Bolk Institute to craft a comprehensive seven-step plan aimed at reducing piglet mortality. This plan merges scientific insights with practical experiences from biological farmers. The Seven Essential Steps So what are the steps that can lead to better piglet survival? The plan outlines crucial dimensions that should be respected: Mother and Piglets: A careful selection of sows is essential, emphasizing good condition, calm mothering traits, and optimal litter sizes. Nutrition: Adequate nutrition during insemination, gestation, and around birth is critical to influence birth weight and udder health. Nesting Behavior: Allowing sows to exhibit natural nesting behaviors contributes to a reduced likelihood of complications during birth. Managing Udder Pressure: Preventing excessive udder pressure is vital in avoiding painful experiences for the sow, which may happen when piglets suckle. Pain Relief: Administering pain relief during farrowing can minimize anxiety and reduce unnecessary movements that increase the risk of piglet suffocation. Climate Control and Stall Design: Providing a warm and safe nesting environment for piglets immediately after birth is crucial for their survival. Human-Animal Relationship: Fostering a respectful interaction between humans and animals not only benefits piglet mortality rates but also enhances job satisfaction for farmers. Managing Sows for Better Outcomes A key insight from experienced farmers emphasizes the importance of selecting sows with quiet temperaments and manageable litter sizes of 14-15 piglets to optimize maternal performance. The ideal birth weight of piglets is also a pivotal factor, as those weighing between 1 to 1.5 kg show significantly better chances for survival. Ensuring proper nutrition across various stages, particularly around breeding and after birth, can directly affect these outcomes. The Importance of Nesting and Environment Natural behaviors are vital for the target outcomes. Providing ample nesting materials like straw or jute facilitates calmer births. Moreover, pain relief measures introduced around birthing can ease the stress on sows, allowing them to remain in a stable position and minimizing piglet crush incidents. Long-Term Benefits of Improved Practices Beyond immediate survival, implementing these strategies can greatly enhance the overall well-being of both sows and piglets. As the agricultural community shifts toward more compassionate animal treatment, strategies that marry welfare with productivity become key. Moreover, respecting and nurturing relationships between handlers and animals fosters a healthier working environment, thereby enhancing farm productivity and job satisfaction. What Lies Ahead: Trends in Pig Farming Moving forward, as regulations push for more humane practices, traditional farrowing systems may need to adapt to incorporate these insights. With the agricultural industry increasingly leaning towards incorporating welfare-centric practices, this guide can serve as an invaluable resource for farmers looking to enhance not only pig survival but also the quality of care they provide. In conclusion, these seven steps offer actionable insights that can dramatically reshape pig farming practices. By staying informed and committed to improving piglet survival rates, farmers can ensure a sustainable and humane future for the industry. For more in-depth learning, agrarians are encouraged to explore the full report and accompanying materials that delve deeper into these strategies.