Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Cull grade pigs seem weak because of disease or poor care, and they can only make a nor-
mal market weight after an extremely difficult and costly feeding regimen.
How should a healthy piglet act?
Piglets are remarkably different in temperament and personality, but certain characteristics are
seen in all healthy pigs. Curiosity is an ever-present trait. Piglets are also incredibly energetic.
Unless they are still unweaned, pigs should spend plenty of time playing with littermates,
food, and whatever else they are able to get hold of. Piglets that isolate themselves or seem
excessively sleepy should be avoided. These signs can indicate malnutrition or illness.
Pick the piglet up gently. Does it squeal loudly? This would be a normal reaction because pigs
do not like being picked up for any reason. If one goes limp and quiet when you pick it up,
there is most likely a respiratory problem present. It is best to pick a pig up by its rear legs. If
you attempt to pick it up and cradle it like a baby, it most likely will squeal and squirm more.
Coughing, wheezing, and raspy breathing are red flags that the piglet has a respiratory infec-
tion. These are easily transmitted, so caution should be shown when purchasing from this
breeder. Untreated communicable disease in pig herds is hard to escape.
Take plenty of time to watch how the piglets play among each other. They reveal much about
their personalities in the way they play and interact. Some will appear dominant, while others
seem very submissive. Return later if the piglets are not yet weaned. You will not be able to
tell much about them while they are still nursing. Normally suckling piglets are either sleep-
ing or eating.
Handling Pigs
The more time you spend with your pigs, the better. Pigs are friendly, sociable animals and if
you spend time with them, it will make it easier to handle them. They enjoy being scratched
and petted.
Piglets can be caught and picked up by the rear legs. They will squeal, but they are not being
harmed. If you need to give your piglet a vaccination or hold a pig, you may lay the pig on its
back if its small enough, or it might be a two-person job to hold the pig standing in place if
the pig is larger.
Pig boards and snares
