NEWBORN PIGLET CARE: TECHNICAL GUIDE TO IMPROVE SURVIVAL RATE AND HEALTH
1. Introduction to newborn piglet care
Newborn piglet care is the most important stage in pig farming, directly determining survival rate, health, and growth performance. Newborn piglets are very weak, easily affected by cold stress, diarrhea, and can die quickly if not properly managed.
In the first 24 hours after birth, every care action is critical.
2. Why is newborn piglet care important?
Newborn piglets have several physiological weaknesses:
- Unable to regulate body temperature
- Almost no immunity if they do not receive colostrum
- Easily lose heat, leading to rapid weakness
- Risk of being crushed by the sow without a proper creep area
Therefore, proper care helps:
- Reduce mortality rate
- Improve disease resistance
- Ensure uniform growth
3. Preparing the farrowing house before birth
A well-prepared farrowing environment can reduce piglet risks by up to 50%.
Basic requirements:
- Dry, clean, non-slippery flooring
- No direct drafts
- Separate creep area for piglets
- Properly functioning heat lamp
Piglet creep area:
- Ideal temperature: 30–34°C
- Clean and dry bedding
- Separated from the sow’s resting area
4. Immediate care after birth
4.1 Drying and warming immediately
Right after birth:
- Use a clean towel to dry the entire piglet
- Dry the nose and mouth first
- Move piglets to the warm creep area immediately
Cold stress can cause death within hours.
4.2 Initial health check
Healthy piglets:
- Steady breathing
- Active movement
- Quickly searching for teats
Weak piglets:
- Lying still or trembling
- Weak or abnormal breathing
- Poor responsiveness
5. Colostrum intake as early as possible
Colostrum acts as a natural vaccine for piglets.
Benefits of colostrum:
- Provides antibodies
- Supplies energy
- Reduces risk of diarrhea
Ensuring proper intake:
- Prioritize smaller piglets
- Monitor each piglet within the first 6–12 hours
- Assist weak piglets in reaching teats
6. Care for weak piglets and prevention of crushing
There are always weaker piglets in each litter.
Management measures:
- Mark weak piglets for close monitoring
- Assist with separate feeding if necessary
- Place them in the creep area after nursing
- Observe the sow when lying down
This is a common cause of mortality if not properly controlled.
7. Hygiene management
Hygiene directly affects piglet health.
Required practices:
- Keep flooring dry at all times
- Remove manure regularly
- Clean sow teats before nursing
- Disinfect farming tools
8. Abnormal signs to monitor
During newborn piglet care, watch for:
- Not suckling or weak suckling
- Diarrhea (white, yellow, or watery feces)
- Cold stress, trembling, piling behavior
- Weak or abnormal breathing
- Isolation from the litter and slow response
9. When to call a veterinarian
Contact a veterinarian immediately if:
- Multiple piglets are weak or dying in the litter
- Piglets do not improve after warming
- Severe diarrhea and dehydration occur
- Sow has low milk production, fever, or mastitis
- Widespread refusal to suckle occurs
10. Conclusion
Proper newborn piglet care should focus on four key factors:
- Immediate warming after birth
- Early colostrum intake
- Clean, dry, and safe housing
- Close monitoring of weak piglets
Following correct procedures significantly increases survival rates, reduces disease, and improves overall pig farming efficiency.
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