Care and Management of Newborn Piglets

Proper care of piglets immediately after birth is essential to reduce mortality and ensure healthy growth and development.

1. Care of Umbilical Cord

• The umbilical cord should be cut at about 5 cm away from the navel using a clean and sterilized blade
• After cutting, it must be treated with tincture of iodine to prevent infection and promote healing

2. Clearing Respiratory Passages

• Mucus present in the mouth and nostrils should be removed carefully
• This helps the piglet to breathe properly immediately after birth
• Assistance may be required, especially in weak or slow-responding piglets

3. Provision of Warm and Clean Environment

• Newborn piglets are highly sensitive to cold due to lack of body fat
• Provide clean, dry, and soft bedding material
• Maintain a warm environment to prevent chilling and mortality

4. Ensuring Colostrum Intake

• Piglets must receive colostrum (first milk) as early as possible after birth
• Colostrum is rich in antibodies and nutrients, which are essential for immunity
• Weak piglets should be helped to reach the teats and suckle properly

5. Clipping of Needle Teeth

• Piglets are born with sharp needle teeth, which can injure the sow’s udder and other piglets
• These teeth should be clipped soon after birth to avoid injuries and ensure smooth nursing

6. Provision of Creep Area

• A separate creep area should be arranged for piglets
• This area provides:
• Warmth
• Safe resting space
• Access to supplementary feed
• It also helps in preventing crushing of piglets by the sow

7. Iron Supplementation

• Piglets are prone to iron deficiency anaemia
• Administer iron injections:
• First dose: 4th day
• Second dose: 14th day
• This ensures proper growth and prevents weakness

8. Castration

• Male piglets should be castrated around 4 weeks of age
• This helps:
• Prevent boar taint (unpleasant odour in meat)
• Reduce aggressive behavior
• Improve manageability

9. Management in Case of Low Milk Production

• If the sow produces insufficient milk, piglets should be shifted to another sow
• The foster sow should have farrowed within the previous 3 days
• This is important because unused teats tend to dry up after 3 days

10. Deworming

• Deworming should be carried out after weaning
• Avoid deworming during:
• Illness
• Stress conditions
• Proper timing ensures effective parasite control and better growth