Adult pigs are sensitive to hot temperature while the piglets are adversely affected by cold temperatures. Controlled temperature help maximise growth and production of the pigs.
The large white is one of the most commonly kept pigs and is widely used in cross breeding. The landrace pig has the ability to improve other breeds of pigs. It has a superior carcass quality mainly because of the large size of their eye muscle, has early maturity and rapid growth weight gain at weaning.
Piglet rearing
Piglets are born with a pair of sharp milk teeth that can damage the sow tits making them tender. They Inflict savage facial wounds on their litter mates and may also bite their tails leading to infections. Teeth clipping and grinding to be used to curb this.
Tail docking is performed to reduce tail biting and cannibalism among pigs and prior to weaning to avoid open wounds at the time of weaning. Clean sharp equipment must be used to minimize pain and risk of infection.
Feeding and reproduction
Piglets are fed pellets for 45 to 60 days to supplement the milk from the sows. Pigs require protein for growth, milk production, body maintenance and reproduction.
Reproduction growth is measured by the ability of the female pigs to get on heat at seven months and carry the pregnancy full term and give birth to at least 10 healthy piglets. The male pigs mating sows and deliver large piglet litters free of genetic defects.
Water supply
Water supply should be cool, a maximum of 18 to 20 degree as pigs drink alot of water. Supply lines should be buried or insulated or the water will be hot and undrinkable.
Nipple drinkers should be checked to ensure the water pressure coming through the drinkers is suitable for the age group of pigs for sufficient water intake.
Lactating sows have a higher requirement for water because of milk production.
