PIGLET ROUTINES

On the way to the market….  Piglets weigh about 3-4 pounds at birth. Weaning is usually done at 4-5 weeks of age, at a bodyweight of approximately 25 pounds.  Weanlings are usually moved to a nursery barn until they are 8-9 weeks old and weigh pounds; at this stage they are marketed as feeder pigs for finishing.  In the finishing lot, the goal is to reach the “ideal” slaughter weight of pounds by 5-6 months of age

Neonatal care and procedures  During this processing, pigs normally are given an injection of iron (usually iron dextran) and inspected for signs of disease. The iron is critical because the piglet's own reserves and the mother's milk together supply enough iron for only a week before the piglet becomes anemic. In some operations, the piglets also are castrated, and the teeth and tails are clipped, usually within 1 day after birth.

Neonatal care and procedures  This technician was inspecting the piglet to determine whether the pig required help to optimize its chances for survival and enhance its productivity. Holding the piglet with the eyes closed calms the pig.

Lower (mandibular) permanent teeth of the pig. Note the large canine teeth or “tusks ”

Clipping needle teeth  Some hog producers routinely clip baby pigs' needle teeth to reduce damage from biting among pigs penned together later during the growing period as well as to protect the sow's teats which can be cut up by the sharp incisors. These teeth are popularly referred to as the canine teeth.

Teeth clipping  The teeth are clipped off above the gum line causing no suffering or after-effects to the pig.  The flat side of the of the nippers is placed parallel to the gum line so that the distal half to two thirds of each tooth are removed

Iron injection  Since milk has low iron content, baby pigs are normally given an injection of iron within 3 to 4 days after birth. Without supplemental iron, piglets may become anemic by 7 days of age, compromising their well being and retarding their growth. Iron injections usually are given when piglets are handled for other purposes, such as vaccinations and removing sharp teeth.

Tail docked  Because piglets tend to bite the tails of litter mates, on many swine operations, the piglets' tails are docked (clipped) soon after birth. Docking should be done during the first 24 hours after birth to minimize stress on the piglets, and while they are easily held and less likely to investigate a newly docked tail.

Castration  In USA, intact male cannot be marked for meat. This is due primarily to “boar taint” a distinct, objectionable odor that is released during cooking and produces a bad flavor to the meat.  Piglet castration. The testicle is pulled from the scrotal incision, and a scalpel blade No. 12 is used to repeatedly scrape the spermatic cord until it severs.  Older pigs must be sedated or anesthetized for castration  video

 Older pigs must be sedated or anesthetized for castration  Picture show….

Questions???