1. P.A.S.S. Pushpakumara | Advanced Technological Institute- Gampaha
AG 2103 - Non-Ruminant Animal Production – Swine
Practical No. 03
Care and Management of pigs at different stages of growth
1. Feeding
CREEP FEEDING
• Give piglets a pre-starter ration (creep feed) from two weeks of age until weaning.
• Provide small amounts of fresh feed in a shallow pan and increase the amount when the
piglets start eating it. Keep the feeding pan out of reach of the sow.
• Creep feeding enhances piglet growth and it allows their digestive system to adjust
gradually as they make the transition from milk to dry feed at weaning.
• Use commercial pre-starter rations containing 18-21 % crude protein or seek the advice of
an animal nutritionist on formulating a creep feed.
• Install nipple waterers in the piglet area to provide potable water at all times.
Feeding schedule
First 03 days - colostrum feeding
3-10 days - only milk
After 10th
day - pig starter(concentration)
Up to weaning - creep feeding
After weaning - grower concentration
Fatteners - finisher concentrations
2. Castration
Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles. It is performed on male pigs not selected
for boar replacement and breeding purposes. Castrated pigs are easier to handle, they grow
faster, and their meat has no "boar odor" when they are slaughtered.
Castration is best done when piglets are 3 to 14 days (commonly 10th
day) old because at that
age they are easier to handle, heal quickly, and suffer less.
Castration equipment
a. Scalpel or side -cutters.
b. Artery forceps or clamps.
c. Iodine or wound disinfectant.
d. Pig holder (optional).
Advanced Technological Institute - Gampaha
Department of Agriculture
Year II Semester I
2. P.A.S.S. Pushpakumara | Advanced Technological Institute- Gampaha
Commercial restraining devices make castration a one-person operation. Piglets less than one
week old can be held in one hand and castrated with the other.
3. Identification
Most common identification method is Ear notching. Use a V-shaped notcher to notch the
number onto each piglet's ear.
4. De-tusking /Tooth clipping
Piglets are born with 8 sharp teeth located on the sides of the upper and lower jaws. The teeth
need to be clipped immediately after birth to prevent pain and injury to the sow's teats when
the piglets nurse.
5. Tail docking
Tail docking prevents tail-biting which is common among pigs before reach 3 days of age.
Leave a stub on the tail about 80mm long.
6. Provision of Fe
Inject iron when they are 3-7 days old to prevent anemia. Administer 100-200 mg. of iron to
the piglets 2-3 days after birth. A single injection of iron is normally adequate but a second
injection is necessary if piglets still show signs of iron deficiency. Watch for any signs of
anemia prior to the weaning period.
3. P.A.S.S. Pushpakumara | Advanced Technological Institute- Gampaha
7. Restraining
Basic types of restraint
A. Manual restraint
B. Mechanical restraint (e.g., v-trough, snare, slings, crowd panel, restraining crate)
I. V-trough
a. A two-sided wooden or metal tray commonly used for procedures such as
blood collection.
b. Pig is placed upside down in dorsal recumbency.
c. Requires two people to handle pig
d. Legs can be restrained by handler(s) for proper positioning, and again,
stroking the animal’s belly will assist with relaxing the animal.
II. Snare
a. A rope or metal noose
III. Slings
IV. Crowd panel (“hog board”)
V. Restraining crate
C. Chemical restraint
In addition to the previous methods of restraint, chemical restraint may be required for major
procedures under the direction of the Clinical Veterinarian.
4. P.A.S.S. Pushpakumara | Advanced Technological Institute- Gampaha
8. Vaccination
Vaccinate sows for parvovirus and leptospirosis at least two weeks before breeding and against
erysipelas two weeks before farrowing.
Vaccinate gilts for parvovirus, leptospirosis, and erysipelas at 6 months of age or at least five
weeks before breeding.
At three days of age, piglets should receive an iron injection. At 3-7 days, they should be
vaccinated against transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE).
9. De-worming
Use anthelmintic drugs for de-worming
10. Assist sow during farrowing
Before moving to farrowing quarter thoroughly scrub with soap with warm water, Specially the
region of the sides and under the surface of the body.
Facilitate with paddock, waterer and feeder, ventilation, bedding materials.
