Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
No matter how many piglet deliveries you experience, there is always excitement in the air
when a new litter is on the way. Farrowing, or giving birth, is a natural process that needs to
be supervised closely. This is especially true with gilts experiencing a first litter. Problems are
not a common occurrence, but when they crop up, they can be serious.
There is much you can do to prepare for a safe birth. Proper quarters and comfort will go a
long way in keeping stress to a minimum. Assisting the sow with the piglets as they are born
will help her focus energy on finishing the farrowing process. The female should be treated
both inside and outside for parasites a week or two before the farrowing begins. Parasites can
wreak havoc on the health of newborn piglets. Your veterinarian can provide internal parasite
controls that are safe for pregnant pigs. If you are raising your pigs organically or trying to
avoid chemicals, you will need to use something along the lines of garlic or rosemary as a
wormer, though these herbs may not get rid of all of your sow's worms. If you plan to use a
stronger natural wormer, consult with a holistic practitioner to make sure you do not use any-
thing that could harm the piglets. You will need to control external parasites on and around
your pigs by keeping their bedding changed, removing manure frequently, and treating for any
pests bothering your pigs with either natural or chemical methods.
The human presence is vital in making sure the piglets are breathing and feeding and that the
sow does not crush them due to confusion and pain. Mark the expected farrowing date on a
calendar, and make plans to be around. It will be a wonderful experience you will not want to
miss.
Preparing a farrowing site
Small pig raisers typically create a small pen for the farrowing female. If you plan to use a
small pen, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area before use. Steam cleaning and spraying the
pen down with a disinfectant spray will suffice. It needs to shine all the way down to the met-
al or wood. Add a 3- to 4-inch layer of straw bedding to create a comfortable place for the
sow to rest while giving birth. Set aside a corner area with a heat lamp to place the pigs as
they are born. The goal is to try to maintain a draft-free ambient temperature of 80 degrees.
This will be comfortable for both mother and babies.
You need to place the sows in the farrowing pen about a week before the due date. This will
give their system time to gain immunity against any unfamiliar germs. She will then pass
these immunities on to the piglets. Grab every advantage you can get. Design the pen so you
