1. Processing Baby Pigs

2. What to do when they are born? Provide zone heating with heat lamps, heat pads The first milk, colostrum, is rich in disease- preventing immunogloblins; the very first colostrum is the richest and best, because the quality of colostrum declines over time Prevent chilling so piglets stay warm and active Split suckle. Remove part of the litter for one to two hour periods the first 12 hours after farrowing. Remove the largest, strongest piglets for a 1-2 hour period in the morning and afternoon

3. Processing Piglets Weigh and record Clip needle teeth Clip and treat the umbilical cord Iron administration Ear Notching Tail docking Castration May process on day of birth or delay a few days

4. Needle Teeth Piglets have 8 razor sharp needle teeth on top and bottom jaws Clip to prevent harming other piglets and the sow

5. Umbilical Cord The umbilical cord needs little attention If piglet is not experiencing excessive bleeding, clip to 4-5 inches and dip cord in iodine Tie off cord if bleeding

6. Iron Supplement An Iron supplement is necessary to prevent anemia in pigs Administer iron within one to three days

7. Ear Notching Ear Notching is a way of identifying the piglet both individually and by litter

8. Tail Docking An undocked tail is a very convenient target for tail biting or cannibalism To reduce tail biting, dock (or cut off) the tail of newborn piglets within about 24 hours after birth Cut about one inch long

9. Castration Castration or removal of testicles is best done between 4 and 14 days old Hold piglet, slice testicle, squeeze out then cut off Little bleeding, quick and relatively painless