116.Caring for new-born piglets (docking (tail clipping), teeth-clipping, castration)

Question 1

Docking tail clipping reason ?

Answer 1

Docking (Tail clipping) Reason

Prevention of tail biting

Tail biting → Infection → Spine abscessation → Welfare problems when older

Question 2

Tail docking Procedure?

Answer 2

Procedure

Never remove tails at birth → Wait until colostrum is consumed (>24 hours)

Perform the procedure on day 3, along with the iron injection.

Never use the same instruments used for teeth clipping; Always use clean & disinfected

instruments.

1. Leave 16mm of tail length (never leave half the tail or tail biting will occur)
2. Check for any bleeding for 5 minutes after amputation → Ligate if bleeding

All tail stubs should be the same

Question 3

Teeth clipping reason?

Answer 3

Ideally, it is best to avoid it; Unnecessary if the milk supply is optimised Piglets have

needle-sharp canines & incisors → They start to fight with each other for milk

Damage to skin leads to greasy pig disease (exudative epidermitis) Damage to

the sow’s teats

Question 4

Teeth clipping timing?

Answer 4

Timing

If completed within 6 hours after farrowing → Joint infections

If completed after 6 hours after farrowing → Piglets have adequate amount of colostrum

Question 5

Teeth Clipping procedure?

Answer 5

Procedure

Clean & disinfected instruments → Clippers/grinding machine

Do not involve any gum → May lead to damage & infections
Check to see that there are no sharp edges

Question 6

Castration Reason?

Answer 6

Castration

Reason

To avoid the development of unwanted sexual/aggressive behaviour To avoid

boar smell/odour → Affects the pork’s flavour

Castration is not the farmer’s choice → Market pressure

Question 7

Castration Procedure?

Answer 7

Procedure

Should be completed < 7 days after birth

Materials needed: Marker spray; Ear protector; Scalpel Piglet

restraint & sow separation are required

1. Ventral incision on the midline of the scrotum
2. Grasp & apply tension to the testicles → Cut