Management Strategies for Sows and Piglets to Increase the Newborn Piglets’ Survivability Rate

Abstract

In an effort to increase profitability, sows have been systematically selected for higher litter sizes. That may have led to an increase in pre-weaning mortality. To improve new-born survival, sows should be taken cared of stringently, especially the housing system and the sows’ nutritional management in both the gestation and the farrowing houses. Additionally, the sows’ reluctance to drink water after giving birth and the sow induction at the farrowing house can negatively affect both the new-born piglets and farrowed sows. Also inevitable is the extended farrowing duration associated with exceptionally large litters. Therefore, assistance during farrowing time is essential. The importance of colostrum intake should also be emphasized and that piglets should be fostered, if needed, to ensure that they have teats to suckle on. Moreover, milk replacer and creep feeding are also helpful options to aid in piglet’s nutrition requirement. Last but not least, farm caretakers who look after the piglets should be well-trained. This study looked into some strategies to improve piglet survivability by pointing out details in the routine activities at the farm.