Swine Husbandry Flashcards
What production parameters (2) are monitored in swine facilities and why?
Goal = maintain comfort zone for all stages of pig operation for optimal growth
- Barn temperature (younger pigs need warmer temps; pre-nursery vs. finisher pigs)
- Ventilation (can help maintain comfort zone; fresh air; remove excess heat or moisture build-up in facility)
Thermal zone for:
1. Pre-nursery (farrowing)
2. Nursery piglets
3. Growing pigs
4. Finishing pigs
5. Sows & boars
- Pre-nursery (farrowing) = 80-90ºF
- Nursery piglets 65-80ºF
- Growing pigs 60-75ºF
- Finishing pigs 50-75ºF
- Sows & boars 60-75ºF
What is the daily water intake requirement for nursery pigs vs. grower pigs vs. finisher pigs?
Nursery pig = 0.7 gal
Grower pig = 2-3 gal
Finisher pig = 3-5 gal
On average, who has a higher daily water intake requirement: pregnant sows or lactating sows?
Lactating sows = 2.5-7 gallons
pregnant sows = 3-6 gallons
Ideal BCS for sow during lactation and at weaning?
3/5 - backbone just palpable.
How much feed should breeding sows get per day for maintenance vs. when lactating?
Maintenance: at least 6 lb/hd/day
Lactating: at least 2x maintenance
Why do swine facilities have slatted floors?
to push manure down; diameter dependent on size of pig (hoof).
How are pigs housed?
in group settings/pens with sturdy dividers
Why is having a water source for enrichment important?
Pigs will play in it / use the water to cool off
Why should feeders have adequate space for each pig?
decrease competition / equal opportunity of feed per pig
What are the 3 requriements every group pen and individual stall/crate?
- Pig should be able to lie down without its head having to rest on the feeder.
- Pig should be able to lie down without its rear having to touch the back of the stall.
- Pig should be able to easily lie down in full lateral recumbency and then stand back up.
What is a Non-Productive Day (NPD)?
Any day that a breeding gilt/sow is neither gestating nor lactating, potentially negatively affecting the # of litters she will have per year (lost $$)
goal = 25 pigs/year, with avg. of 10-12 pigs/litter
Describe the pre-service, post-service, and removal intervals that affect NPD occurrences.
-
Pre-service interval
- weaning to service; gilt entering breeding herd to service -
Post-service interval
- successful breeding to returning to heat again after gestation
- breeding to open @ preg check -
Removal interval
- decision to cull to exported out of facility
Service = when boar mounts sow or when sow is AI to become pregnant
3 methods of mechanical restraint
- snare
- v-trough
- sling
What factors can affect the likelihood of a sow to return to estrus post weaning?
- BCS and feeding regimen
- low-protein diets
- < 21-day lactation
Proper BCS @ weaning/lactation = 3/5
Sow cull rate goal + factors for decision to cull
< 40%
- factors = poor performance, failure to return to estrus, lameness, death
Describe the farrowing room and specific designs for the sow versus the piglet:
Farrowing room = environmentally controlled housing designed to protect a comfortable place for sows to farrow & protect their newborns
- crates (keep sow from crushing piglets)
- plastic-coated wire flooring + heat lamps/mats for piglets (zone heating; minimize heat loss, 85-95ºF)
- wire flooring + drip systems for sow (help keep her cool, 60-80ºF)
When do sows get moved into farrowing crates?
5-7 days prior to due date (allows for cleaning of sow, acclimation to crate, and individual monitoring)
How should you properly handle pigs?
- handle with care & patience
- use their flight zone & point of shoulder (similar to cattle)
- step forward to pressure; step backward for release
