SWINE

PRODUCTION
Module 4

Poultry and Livestock Production

CARMELA FE ELLAISA N. FLORES, MSc.

Animal Science, Dept. of Agriculture
Institute of Agriculture and Related Studies
Davao del Sur State College

Swine Production
Overview:
Pigs are amenable to many different styles of farming: intensive commercial units,
commercial free-range enterprises, or extensive farming. Historically, farm pigs were kept
in small numbers and were closely associated with the residence of the owner or in the
same village or town.

Objectives:

 Discuss the status of swine industry in the Philippines

 Identify the breeds of swine and its economic functions
 Explain the management of boar, sow and gilt, baby pigs and weaning, Up to the grower to finisher
stage.

Lessons:
Lesson 1: Overview of Swine Industry
Lesson 2: Breeds of Swine
Lesson 3: Management of the Boar
Lesson 4: Care and management of the Sow and Gilt
Lesson 5: Care and management of baby Pigs to weaning

Lesson 6: Care and management of Growing-Finishing Pigs

Overview of Swine Industry

Lesson 1

Swine (Sus scrofa) production in the Philippines is a P191-billion industry and is the largest among the livestock
and poultry industries of the country. It ranks next to rice with 18.28% contribution to the total value of agricultural
production. Swine production plays a major role in ensuring the country’s food security by providing about 60% of the
total animal meat consumption of Filipinos. The Philippine swine industry is ranked eighth in the world in terms of the
volume of pork production and number of breeding sows, However, majority or about 65% of the pigs in the
Philippines are kept by small hold pig raisers.

PORK production in the Philippines is forecast to fall by 1.5 percent to 1.615 million metric tons in 2020 on
account of the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), which has hit more than a dozen areas in the country so far,
according to Fitch Solutions.

In its latest industry report, the Fitch Group’s research unit said “farmers are unlikely to begin rebuilding herds…
while the epidemic is still ongoing, and even when monthly outbreaks subside, it can take up to a year for new animals
to be ready for slaughter.”

“Given that over 60 percent of the country’s pig population are…in backyard farms, where ASF has a tendency to
spread quickly (as demonstrated by China), we believe there is a strong possibility that the disease could continue to
spread over the coming quarters,” it added.

The projected decrease is the first in four years made on Philippine pork output, which is seen to recover and grow
at 3 percent annually from 2021 to 2023, according to Fitch Solutions.

Production reached 1.640 MMT last year, a 2.4-percent increase from 1.602 MMT in 2017, data from Fitch
Solutions showed.

With pork production in Asia expected to decline and Chinese meat imports seen to increase, the Fitch unit said
“other disease-stricken Asian countries may have trouble importing meat as international prices have risen,” which
could result in lower pork consumption.
 Fitch Solutions projects pork consumption in the Philippines to drop by 1 percent year-on-year; China, 2 percent;
and Vietnam, 5 percent.

However, swine industries give more opportunities to the Filipino people in terms of career, Many career
opportunities exist in the swine industry besides becoming a producer involved in one of the different production
systems. Swine operations need employees to fill positions, such as breeding manager, farrowing manager, and nursery
manager. These positions involve overseeing these activities for the operation. A feed mill technician is responsible for
producing feed for swine herds. An artificial insemination technician breeds sows and gilts using artificial insemination.
Animal geneticists specialize in genetic research to develop more powerful medications and genetically superior
animals. Animal health product sales representatives provide swine medications and other products to farm stores,
veterinarians, and producers. Veterinarians often specialize in swine where large concentrations of hogs are found. Hog
buyers buy market hogs to be processed into pork. National Meat Inspector (NMIS) and quality control supervisors
work in pork processing plants to help ensure that the food supply is safe and wholesome.

-EireenJairee Gomez, The Manila Times

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/10/03/business/business-top/ph-pork-output-to-drop-in-2020-fitch-solutions/625405/

Hog Zoological Scheme

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Genus: Sus
Species: scrofa
Subspecies: S.s.domesticus

Exercise 1. Discuss the following questions and write your answer on the space provided.

1. What arethe disadvantage of swine production?

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2. Aside from human food consumption, what are the other importance of swine?
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3. How much is the 1kilogram of pork in the Philippines?
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 Breeds of Swine
Lesson 2

1. The Philippine Native Swine

The Philippine native swine

- Indigenous animals belong to a large undefined population of individuals without any
uniform traits usually ascribed to a breed.
- The local pig or Philippine native pig belongs to this category, as they are small and
lack the anatomical symmetry of standard breeds.

Other scientific name:

Luzon warty pig Sus philippinensis
Palawan bearded pig Sus barbatus

The Philippine native pig is either black or black with a white belly. Varieties include Ilocos and
Jalajala. The Berkjala, Diani, Kaman, Koronadel and Libtong breeds were all developed from this breed. It is
now thought to be extinct
The breed is very prolific, in average the gilts could exhibit signs of sexual maturity as young as 4 to
5months. They have a low feed conversion ratio. Growing swine can reach 60 kilos during the 6 to 8 months
fattening period. This breed is popular throughout the Philippines especially for letchon (Broiled whole pig).

2. Pure Breeds

The most common pig breeds for commercial pig production are the Yorkshire,Landrace,
Hampshire, Duroc, and Tibetan, Tamworth and Meishan breeds and theircrosses. These breeds
produce lean meat combined with efficient feed conversion(3 kg of good feed is needed to
produce 1 kg of pork). Compared to local pig breeds, these commercial breeds are less resistant
to diseases and suffer more from hot weather and low quality feeds.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire: white, long body, erect ears, good

mothers, live weight of a mature male 300 – 450
and female 250 - 350 kg. High prolificacy, with a
litter size of 12, weaning percent of > 70, and 7
pairs of teats. Widely used for upgrading local
breeds.

Landrace

Landrace: white, large drooping ears, long body, good

mothers. One of the newest breeds of a Danish origin.
They are noted for having the highest number of pigs per
litter, average live weight of matured male is 310 – 400
kgand female is 250 – 330 kg. Good for Bacon
production. High prolificacy, average litter size of 11
with a good weaning rate.

Hampshire
Hampshire: black, white belt, muscular. Average live weight of matured male 300 kg and female is 250 kg. Good for
Bacon production. High prolificacy, with a litter size of 9 with high weaning rate.

Duroc

Duroc: red, muscular, partially drooping ears, desirable

as sires. They grow the fastest out of all the other
breeds. Average live weight of matured male 300 kg
and female is 250 kg. High prolificacy, with a litter
size of 9 with high weaning rate.

Tibetan
Tibetan breed of pig is especially adapted to the
high hills, cold climate and to being on pasture all year
round. It is characterized by: Light body weight (mature
wt about 35 kg .) Black hair coat, with long and dense
bristles Highly developed digestive organs; the length
of the intestine is about 36 times its own body length.
Ability to deposit fat in the body. The internal and
visceral fat is about 15 percent of bodyweight. Muscles
with a marble appearance and meat with a special
flavor. Low prolificacy, with average litter size of 5,
weaning percent of 69, and 5 pairs of teats.

Tamworth

Tamworth: Ginger, golden red to dark red colored breed with a

long head, prick ears, a straight face and snout, and a long, narrow body.
Mature boar may weigh 245 – 265 kg andsow 200 – 300 kg. They
produce smaller litters than other commercial breeds. .

Meishan

The Meishan breed of pig was developed in China and characterized by: A black colored
breed with short legs, big stomach, deep back and very ugly face are the major visible
features. Very high prolificacy, with a litter size of 14 -17 with average birth weight 900gm,
weaning of 11 - 12, and having 8-9 pairs of teats. Daily weight gain is 300 – 400 gm with FCR
5:1. An adult male weight about 450 kg and female weight 350 kg average. This breed is
found in eastern Nepal.
Exercise 1. Multiple Choice. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. A white breed pig:

a. Duroc
b. Landrace
c. Hampshire
d. Berkshire
2. Breeds of swine noted for their exceptional motherly ability.
a. Pietrain
b. Saddle back
c. Duroc
d. Yorkshire
3. Breed of pig known as the “Red Power”
a. Duroc
b. Tamworth
c. Hampshire
d. Pietrain
4. Breed of swine with six distinct white points in its body.
a. Pietrain
b. Poland China
c. Duroc
d. Landrace
5. The Pietrain has a white belt
a. Shoulder
b. Foreleg
c. Ham
d. None of the above
6. The longest breed of swine
a. Yorkshire
b. Landrace
c. Duroc
d. Saddle back
7. The scientific name of swine is?
a. Sus scrofa
b. Sus suidae
c. Sus barbatus
d. Sus philippinensis

2. Discussion:
1. For sowselection/replacement giltpurposes, discuss what are your best considerations in
choosing top performing sow?
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Management of the Boar

 Lesson 3

A. Buying Replacement Boars

A successful swine operation, whether small or large scale depends greatly o the proper care
and management of boar. It must be remembered that 50% of the farm performance is
contributed by the boar.

B. Transporting newly Purchased Boar

Many seedstock suppliers offer delivery service to their customers. Regardless of who
transports the boars. Proper care ensures maximum animal performance minimizing stresses,
injuries and diseases. Any stress or diseases that cause extremes in body temperature can lower
fertility or even produce temporary sterility which might last 6-8 weeks. Therefore, carefully
follow these suggestions when transporting newly purchased boars:

 Avoid shipping boars that have been fed within an hour or two before loading.
 Provide a safe, well-built loading and unloading facility.
 Clean and sanitize the truck/trailer before transporting the boars.
 Provide a covered truck/trailer with suitable bedding (sand in summer, straw in winter)
and protection against weather.
 Use a divider when hauling unfamiliar boars in the same truck/ trailer
 Avoid harsh handling of animals while loading and unloading

Quarantine/ isolation of Boars

Newly-purchased boars should be isolated or quarantined in a house separate from
other animals (stocks), preferably in a large pen if possible. A bigger area is needed for
exercise. The boar should remain in isolation for at least two weeks but integration or
acclimatization can start by exposing the boar to some dung or faecal material from the
service are one week and the weaner area next.
1.1. Acclimatization of Boars. Some culled sows or finishing pigs may be placed in a
small adjacent pen where good nosing or contact possibilities could be attained. This
practice should last 3 to 4 weeks

1.2. Footbath Treatment. Provided the board has not developed a severe corn on his
heels or grossly overgrown claws, the regular use of footbath will help to harden the
claw horn; once a week will be of great help. The foot bath should be of adequate
length and depth so that adult pigs can take several strides through it and the
solution reaches to just above the coronet. Boars should be left to stand on clean, dry
concrete for a few minutes before being returned to their pens. The following
solution can be used: 5% copper sulfate;5% formalin (5% of the 38.5%
formaldehyde solution). This could be the safest, except in an enclosed area.

C. Assessing Boar Breeding Potential

To be evaluated for reproductive soundness, boars should be at least 7 ½ months of age. The
evaluation should be completed before the breeding period so problem boars can be identified and
culled. Boars should be evaluated on the following criteria.
Mating behavior may be evaluated by bringing a gilt in standing heat into the boar's pen and observing the
following:
 Libido:Observe the boar's aggressiveness and desire to mate. Boars may need assistance through at least one
mating experience.

Mounting:Boars must have the ability to mount correctly. Some boars may be interested in mounting but
lameness, arthritis, or injury may prevent success. Boars that mount the front end of gilt should be gently moved to the
proper position.

Mating:Observe the boar's ability to erect the penis and properly enter the gilt. Examine the boar's penis for
normal size and condition. Penis abnormalities encountered occasionally are:

(1) adhered or tied penis,

(2)limp penis,

(3) infantile penis, and

(4) coiling of the penis in the diverticulum.

These conditions may be heritable, and boars exhibiting these problems should not be used to produce
breeding stock.

Semen. A few boars fail to produce sperm cells. Hence, semen from young boars should be submitted to a
check. The simplest way to collect semen from a boar is to allow the boar to mount a gilt in standing heat. First place a
rubber glove (latex) on one hand and after the boar begins to extend his penis, grasp firmly the corkscrew end of his
penis and bring the penis gradually forward once extended ejaculation begins. Collect the entire ejaculate into a wide-
mouth container covered with a double layer of cheesecloth to separate the gel fraction. The volume of semen obtained
is quite variable between boars but averages generally between 200-250 milliliters (about 1 cup). If the sperm
concentration is high, the semen will be milky in appearance. Boars with watery or bloody semen should be evaluated
by a reproduction specialist. Usually, 70 to 80 percent of the sperm should be motile immediately after collection. Low
sperm motility is not a serious matter unless the condition persists for several months. Boars that produce semen with
no sperm or only a few sperm should be rechecked several times at weekly intervals. If the condition persists, the boar
should be culled. The first ejaculate of a new boar may not provide an accurate test and should not be used for
evaluation.

Test Mating. To complete the soundness evaluation, two or three gilts should be bred and carefully checked as to
whether they return to estrus within 4 weeks. Exposure to conditions or microorganisms on the new farm may have
produced temporary infertility. High environmental temperatures, stress of transportation, illness, lameness, or injuries
causing high body temperature can alter sperm motility and reduce fertility for up to 8 weeks.

D. Health care

Although the boar and sow are partners in the productive process, the partnership is not equal one. Despite his
importance to the herd, the boar is often the most neglected animal in the unit.
Boars may be kept in pens that are too small or badly designed. Hygiene can be poor in both his pen and
service area, if separate. Boar nutrition has received scant attention and he is frequently overlooked in health procedure
such as vaccination, mange and deworming treatments.

Vaccination/ Other health Programs

a. Vaccines. In general, follow the recommended primary and

booster shots of vaccines to be given (e.g. Hog Cholera, FMD,
Pseudorabies, Leptospirosis, etc.). Revaccination is done every
six months thereafter or 2 times a year. Booster shots are
desirable during the quarantine/acclimatization period.
 b. Mange and deworming programs should also be instituted
before using the boar for service and repeat dosing if necessary,
3-6 months later, depending on the severity or infestation
affecting the breeders.

c. Vitamin ADE injection should always be implemented at least

once a month; twice a month can be done if the boars is
frequently used, but do not overdo injections as this will only
result to additional expenses, aside from the risk of having
needle-shy boars.

As a rule of the thumb, vaccination/dosing of all boars should not be done on the same day;
treatments should be routinary, but staggered in case of side effects. This prevents all boars off-work on the
same day.

Table ___. Suggested Health and Vaccination Program for Boars

Activity When
Deworming 3 to 4 times a year
Mange Treatment 3 to 4 times a year
(if one is using an ivermectin as
dewormer, there is no need to do mange
treatment using ivermectin or another
drug; ivermectin is both for internal and
external parasite)
Vitamin ADE Injection 1 to 2 times a month
Hog Cholera Vaccine 6 months of Age
FMD Vaccine 6 ½ months of Age
Prvovirus Vaccine 7 months of age
Pseudorabies Vaccine 7 months of Age
1. Revaccination for boars is done every 6 months
2. Blood testing for the disease enumerated above, at least one a year (including sows), should be done to monitor antibody level
(it will determine increase in antibody level if it is due to field infection or vaccination.

E. Feeding Boar

The feed allowance for boar depends on its condition, which is largely influenced by the frequency of
service or semen collection. As such, the following is recommended:

2.0 kgs./day+/- kg. if thin or fat

This amount of feed is needed for body maintenance and semen production. Giving too much feed
more than the boar needs might lead to; 1. Obesity, resulting to laziness; 2. Poor libido, which means poor
mating results and 3. Too heavy, effecting leg problem.

F. Boar to Sow Ratio

The number of boars needed in a herd depends on the number of productive sow including replacement
gilts, age of the boar, size of females and on the frequency of mating in an single heat period. With multiple
farrowing program, Table ___ gives the number of boars recommended.

A boar to sow ratio of 1:20-30 is generally recommended. But it is a good practice to always have one
reserve young boar for every 30 sows to take over the breeding work if the heard sire becomes incapacitated.
The cost of keeping an extraboar is substantially less than the expenses of feed alone for sows that will not
be bred because of boar unavailability.

If replacement stocks is to be obtained from the farm, replace boars every 1.5-2 years. It is also advisable
to have boars of different age and sizes.

Table ___. Suggested Boar to Sow Ratio

Number of services Number of Sows Number of Boars

Per heat period
1. Two services per sow 15 sows or less One (1) boar, if boar is 12
per heat period months or older

15-25 sows Two (2) boars, if boar is less

than 12 months
2. One service per heat 20 sows or less One (1) boar, if young boar
period and all gilts

30 sows or less One (1) boar, if boar is 12

months or older

Housing and Environment

Space requirement
 Minimum Space Requirement for Swine

Age and size of growing swine Space

requirement/animal (m2
/animal)
Groups of growing swine
Up to 10kg 0.11
11-20 kg 0.20
21-40 kg 0.35
41-60kg .50
61-80 kg 0.70
81-100 kg 0.85
Gilts up to mating 1.00
Adult pigs in group 2.50

Pens for weaners/nursery

1. Weaners should be penned in a ground pen or in an elevated cages
2. These cages shall be provided with slatted floor with slot space clearance of 10-14 mm.

Pen for Growing-Finishing Pen

1. Separate pens for growers-finishers should be provided
2. The size of each pen should ne designed to hold not more than 25 grower.

Pen for Parturition

Minimum height of pen partition

Swine height of pen partition

1. Under 25 kg 0.70m
2. 25 kg-100kg 0.90m
3. Sow 1.00m
4. Boar 1.20m

Feeding Trough
Table __. Minimum recommended length of feeding trough per swine

Swine Weight Linear length of trough

mm/animal

15-25 150

25-50 200

50-75 250

75-100 300
 100-130 350

Calculation on the occupancy Period

Example:

Assumptions:
Number of sows 10 sows
Litter index 2 farrowings/sow/year
Piglets born alive 11 heads
Weaning age 30 days
Weaned piglets/sow/litter 10 days
Grower/sow/litter 9 days
Rearing period (weaning to transfer) 7 days
Number of pigs per weaner’s pen 12 head
Number of pigs per finisher’s pen 12 head
Acclimatization before farrowing 7 days

Nursery pens

Occupancy in days:
Nursery period =30 days
Cleaning/disinfection period = 7 days
Total period of occupancy = 37 days

Fattening pens
Occupancy days

Fattening period=Age at market-age at start of growing

180 days-67 days= 113 days

Cleaning and disinfection = 7 days

Occupancy period = 120 days

G. Reproductive Problems Associated with the Boar

Infertility in boar is caused by a number of factors.

Factors of Boar Infertility:

a. failure of sperm production,

b. production of abnormal sperm,
 c. overuse of the boar,
d. physical abnormalities of the male genital tract which prevents the delivery of
semen at mating,
e. physical or psychological factors which prevent mating
f. and finally, infection of paternal origin which destroys the products of conception.

Factors affecting normal sperm production:

a. genetic factors,
b. age ( boar are not fertile until at least 5 months of age and semen quality declines in old
animals),
c. high body temperature (fever can cause poor semen quality and even aspermia),
d. high environmental temperatures and
e. infection of the testes and accessory sex glands. Those with ruptured penises also cannot
mate.
*Boars may be reluctant to mate of ill or if lame and some boars will not mate for
psychological reasons, This is particularly common in young boars. Finally, infection
with agents such as PRRS, leptospirosis and Brucella suis and contamination from fecal
or preputial organisms can cause death or the products of conception.

Table ____. Structure, function and possible malfunctions of a boar reproductive system

Structure Function(s) Possible Malfunctions

Testis (Testicle) Produces sperm in the  On or both smaller than average which
seminiferous tubules; results in low sperm output
produces testosterone  Cryptorchidism (sterile or less fertile)
 Malformed sperms result to lowered sex
drive
 Injury might result to lowered fertility
Scrotum Protects testis and regulates  Injury might open testicle to infection
temperature of testis  Failure of temperature regulation may
decrease fertility, especially during hot
weather
Epididymis Sperm maturation, storage  Occlusion of duct (blocks sperm passage)
 Malfunction inmetabolism might cause
improper maturation or morphological
abnormalities.
 Over use of boar may not allow time for
proper maturation.
 Infection
Urethra Passageway forurine and  Infection
semen  Occlusion (blockage)
Sigmoid Flexure Aids in erection  Failure to erect

Glans penis Semen delivery to cervix  Limp or infantile (very small penis)
 Tagged penis (patent frenulum)
 Injury
Anterior pituitary Produces LH and FSH which  Low or no sperm
act in regulating sperm and  Low libido or sex drive
 testosterone production  Improper environment in seminiferous
tubule or epididymis for proper storage
maturation and transport

Congratulations, you made it! Now, can I check on what you have digested from this topic? Let’s try out
this exercises below.

Knowledge Check/

Exercise 1. Identification. Write the correct answer on the space provided before the number. No Erasures.

___________________1. This may help to harden the claw horn.

___________________2. Boars aggressiveness and desire to mate.
___________________3. The desired age of the boar ready to breed.
___________________4. The appearance of the semen when the concentration of sperm is high.
___________________5. Revaccination is done every _____.
___________________6. Vitamins should be implemented every ___.
___________________7. This amount of feed is needed for body maintenance and semen
production.
___________________8. Boar to sow ratio.
___________________9. Replacement of the boar should be done every ____.
___________________10. This male reproductive structure of boars is responsible for the erection
of their penis.
___________________11. It is the storage of mature sperm.
___________________12. It is where the Luteinizing hormone and FSH are being produced.
___________________13. How many times does a sow can have its farrowing in one year?
___________________14. Weaning age of piglets.
___________________15. Market age of the fattening swine.
___________________16. How many days does we allot for cleaning and disinfection of pens?
___________________17. This reproductive structure of the boar regulates the temperature of the
testis.
___________________18. What is the other term for sex drive?
___________________19. It is the passageway of semen and urine.
___________________20. The minimum space requirement for the boar.

Exercise 2. Discussion.

1. Can a boar with Cryptorchidism can still impregnate a sow? Why?

2. What are some of the reasons that causes a boar to be infertile?

Exercise 3. Illustration.

Illustrate a sample Boar Pen/House,indicate the space requirement measurements, the type of roof
and the materials you are going to use.

Care and management of the Sow and Gilt

Lesson 4

Prior to Pregnancy

A successful swine operation whether small or large scale depends greatly on the proper care and
management of dry sows. Low conception rate, slam litter size at birth or weaning, abortions and impaired
reproduction, to mention a few, are problems which occur as a result of faulty management practices.
 1. Always keep the sow in good health and condition.
2. The general recommendation is to keep the lactation period not longer than 6 weeks.
3. Do not feed the sow on the day of the weaning.
4. Expose weaned sows to the boar
5. If sows do not come into heat within 10 days, hormonal injection could be given to induce heat
occurrence.
6. Old sow of parity eight and above tend to have long dry periods.
7. Keep sows as cool as possible during summer.
8. Check dry sows for heat occurrence twice a day.
9. Observe the right time of breeding.
10. Breed only good sows and cull bad sows immediately.

Management of Breeding Time

In order to limit the number of dry, unproductive days, we must have the sow served as soon as
possible. This can only be achieved if the sow is in heat. However, some sows will come in heat during the
first few days of lactation but they will rarely conceive if bred at this time for the reason that they fail t
ovulate. As mention, sows will come in heat 3-10 days with an average of about seven days after weaning.

Heat Period.
The heat period or estrus is the time during which the sow will accepts the boar, it lasts 1-5 days with
an average of 2-3 days. Older sows generally remain in heat longer that gilts. If not bred, the heat period
normally occurs at an interval of 16-25 days with an average of 21 days.

Signs of heat
 Swelling and reddening of the vulva
 Appearance of mucous discharge from the vagina
 Grunting and restlessness
 Mounting her penmate (if in group) irrespective of sex or allowing herself to
be mounted
 Frequent attempts to urinate with little or no discharge particularly in the
presence of a boar
 Assumes a stationary attitude called the “mating stance” when touched even
on the back either by a boar or a caretaker.
 Cocks her ears, become rigid in every limb and may quiver at her haunches
 She can only be moved with great effort or she cannot be herded the
ordinary way.

Techniques for heat detection:

 Haunch Pressure Test

Approach the animal from behind and apply pressure on her sides with both hands. If she is
receptive, she will just stand firm and rigid, ready to be served.

 Riding-the-back-Test
Ride on or press the back or loin of the female. Just like in the first method, the sexually
receptive female will stand firm and rigid, ready to be served.
 Semen-on-the-snout
Squeeze old semen sample in a squeeze bottle on the snout of the female. With the boar’s
smell in the semen, she will just stand firm and rigid, ready to be served.
 The teaser method
 Avasectomised boar is the animal to use in this method. Allow the boar to mount the sow. If
the sow doesn’t run away but stands firm and remains rigid with cocked ears and willingly
submits herself to the caprices of the male, she is sexually receptive.

Management during Gestation

Gestation period is the long period starting with breeding and ending with farrowing, 114 days later,
provided the sow is pregnant. On the other hand, extremes of 98 to124 days have been reported.

Management

Sound breeding management alone is not sufficient to insure large litter of healthy piglets. It is also
important to provide the pregnant sow the best of feeding and management, not just a plain guesswork!
1. Pregnancy Control. In order to be sure the sow has become pregnant, we have to watch her closely
during the days around 3 weeks, and again after 6weeks after she was bred. If the sow does not come in
heat during those days, we can assume that she is indeed pregnant. This pregnancy control is in fact
nothing but heat detection. The advantages of early pregnancy detection in sows and gilts are: 1. It
makes possible to cull or rebreed non-pregnant, feed wasting female, 2. It allows closer grouping of a
number of sows for a farrowing period, 3. It gives early warning of breeding troubles, such as infantile
boars and cystic ovaries and 4, it enables the producer to make more effective use of his breeding
facilities and to plan more adequately for farrowing, nursing and finishing.
2. Preparations for farrowing
In most commercial scale operations, pregnant gilts or sow are moved from gestating house to the
farrowing house. This is usually done one week before the expected farrowing date to allow sufficient
time for a sow to adjust to the new environment. In this way, they will be more relaxed at farrowing
time.
3. Preparing the sow. Before being moved into the farrowing house, the sow should be thoroughly scrubbed
with soap and water, especially in the region of the sides, udder, and undersurface of the body. This
removes adhering parasite eggs and bacteria that are potential diarrhea-causing agents.
4. Preparing the farrowing pens.The farrowing units should be thoroughly cleaned to reduce indection. If
possible, the unit should be cleaned completely, disinfected nd left unused for 5-7 days. When this is not
practical, the individual pen or crate should be cleaned and disinfected before a new sow is placed.
Cleaning can be accomplished by scraping, high pressure cleaners, steam cleaners and/or stiff scrub
brush. A complete job is necessary, otherwise the use of a disingfectant is futile. Many good commercial
disinfectants are available including the quaternary ammonium compounds, iodophor compounds and
lye

Other thing you should practice before farrowing:

 Restricted feeding of sow during pregnancy improves reproductive performances

 Sow should be in thrifty body condition, not fatty
 Fatty sows are prone to farrowing difficulties. Slow farrowing and heat stress
 Flushing of gilt or sow will increase litter size because of the release being released
 Sow should be routinely dewormed ( 3 days before entry into the farrowing pen)
 Vaccination should also be followed.

Management during farrowing

Suggested things to do during farrowing:
  It should be done in warm, dust-free, clean and disinfected pen
 Normally, a sow farrows in 20-40 minutes,
although some takes 5 hrs

 Longer farrowing time increases the no. of death piglet

 One person should assist during farrowing, however, mother should not be disturbed if normal
farrowing
 Farrowing difficulties are: Uterine inertia (Uterus does not have strength to contract and push
piglets out) and fetal malpresentation
 If such difficulties occur assist in the process

You made it! Its time to assess what you have gained from this lesson.

Knowledge Check!

Exercise 1. Multiple Choice. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Restrictions in feeding of the pregnant sow can improve reproduction performance.

a. True
b. False
2. Gilts remain in heat longer than the older sows.
True
False
3. The longer farrowing time decreases the chance of death of the piglet.
a. True
b. False
4. Sign of heat, except:
a. Mucus discharge
b. Reddening of the vulva
c. Allowing herself to be mounted by the boar
d. Comfortable and just lying on the floor when a boa is present
5. The following are problems that will occur when there are faults in the management practices in sow
and gilt, except:
a. Conception rate is low
b. High litter size
c. Death of fetus during conception.
d. Impaired body structures and/or parts.
6. Duration of heat period in sow.
a. 1 week
b. 5 days
c. 1 day
d. 2 weeks
7. Difficulties in pregnancy when the uterus does not have the strength to contract and push the piglets
out.
a. Uterine Inertia
b. Cord Coil
c. Sepsis
d. Uterine incapability
8. The sow comes in heat at day _______ after weaning.
a. 3-10
b. 1
c. 2
 d. 14
9. Gestation period of sow
a. 120 days
b. 100 days
c. 365 days
d. 114 days
10. If a dry sow was inseminated today (April 29), what is the expected date of farrowing?
a. August 25
b. July 21
c. Aug 21
d. July 25

Exercise 2. Discussion.
1. What are the characteristics of a sow ready for culling? State the characteristics in bullet form.
2. Why early pregnancy detection in sow/gilt is important?
3. What are the dos and donts in managing a pregnant sow? State in a bullet form.

Care and management of baby Pigs to weaning

Lesson 5
 Keeping new born pigs warm and comfortable

Cutting of the Umbilical Cord

A few minutes after the birth the umbilical cord may be
pulled gently away or cut if necessary (to about 5cm length). After
birth, the Nave of each piglet should be soaked in a cup of iodine
solution to prevent inflammation and Tetanus. Each piglet should be
rubbed carefully, dry with a cloth.

Cutting of the needle teeth

It is usually necessary to trim the piglets' teeth to prevent
them biting the udder. The piglets are born with needle sharp teeth which may injure the sow's udder and
prevent the sow from letting the piglets suckle. The piglets would then be left to starve. Only the points of
the teeth should be removed. If any more is removed there is a risk of damaging the mouth. When trimming
the teeth the tongue of the piglets should be rolled back to avoid injuring it.

This can be done by cutting the sharp points of the teeth (8 teeth, 4 in upper mouth and 4 in the lower
mouth) using a tooth clipper or an electric wire cutter. Do not clip the teeth too close from the base to avoid
hitting the gums as this may cause bleeding with subsequent infection.

Prevention of Tail Biting

Cut the tip of the tail within 4-7 days. This prevents tail chewing, which can lead to infections. A piece
of chain can be hung down from the ceiling for the piglets to chew.

Feeding the Suckling Pigs with Colostrum

Make sure the piglets are able to suck from the udder as soon
as possible after birth. Their suckling will encourage the sow to let
down her milk. Weak piglets may need to be assisted. It is important
that the piglets immediately take advantage of the first milk called
colostrums. Colostrums should be taken by all the piglets on the
same day they are born. If taken at this time the colostrums is able to
protect the piglets against diseases.

After the first one or two days, the digestive system of the
piglets breaks down the colostrums and its ability to protect from
diseases is lost.

Identifying the Piglets

Earnotching should be done immediately afterbirth. Earnotching is done to identify animals. Some farms
devise an earnotch code of their own.

Prevention of baby Pig Anemia

Oral Iron Supplement

Oral Iron Supplement is an iron supplement for newborns. The manufacturing ofOral Iron
Supplement uses a special, chelated process that bonds the available iron,thus allowing the piglet’s system to
safely absorb the iron in order to raise and maintain adequate iron levels.

The ideal method of administering Oral Iron Supplement, to the newborn piglet,is to rub the liquid
iron onto the udder of sow. When the piglets move from teat to teat they will slowly absorb the iron thus
reducing the chances of any toxic reaction due to excessive amounts of iron. No injections are required when
using Oral IronSupplement thereby eliminating chance of toxic reaction due to iron dextran.

Anaemia is caused by iron deficiency. This iron is needed for the formation of haemoglobin. This is
an important problem, especially for young piglets kept indoors. At birth the piglets have about 50mg of iron
in their body. They receive additional 1-2 mg/day from milk while they need 7mg during the first week. It is
obvious that the quantity of iron decreases rapidly and if not supplemented. The piglets become very pale a
few weeks after birth and their growth slows down.

Prevention of Anemia:

 Giving the piglets (3 to 10 days after birth) iron injection.

 Oral iron paste containing iron is put in the mouth within 24 hours of birth
 Feeding compost- must be of good quality supplied daily.
 Wood ash can also be put into the pen. This will not provide iron, but does contain other
important minerals

Creep Feeding for Piglets

Piglets from 7 days onwards should have high protein feed available to them. This has to be
fed in a small area where the mother cannot eat the feed. The feed conversion rate of young
piglets is very high and thus creep feeding is particularly economic. Creep feeding helps the
piglets to get used to feeding at an early age.

NB: The sow’s milk yield also begins to decrease just as the growing piglets require feed.

Rearing the Orphan Pigs

 It is very important that newly-born piglets receive colostrum straight after birth to build
up their natural resistance. Colostrum is the first milk that the sow produces after
farrowing. If the sow dies whilst farrowing, the colostrum will have to be taken from
another farrowing sow for the piglets. If they get no colostrum, their chance of survival
is very small.
 Cow's or goat's milk can be given to the piglets. This is after the piglets have taken
colostrum. The milk should not be diluted, as sow's milk is very concentrated. It should
be warmed up to slightly above body temperature (37° - 40°C) in a pan lowered into a
larger pan containing boiling water.

Castration
Castration or the removal of the testicle is a simple operation. Complications are uncommon
provided sanitary precautions were observed. Whether the operator uses simple or double
incision, both produce satisfactory results. It can be done at any age but stress and ease of
handling should be considered. One to two weeks of age is the best time when the animal is not
too big and still have good level of antibodies from the sow.
 Reminders before performing castration
1. Check whether all young boars are healthy. Postpone castration in case of illness
2. Check whether there are piglets with hernia to avoid complications
3. Clean the pen properly before castration
4. Do not transfer the piglets before or after castration, this will cause extra stress.

Risks/Complications of castration

1. Castration abscesses which slow down growth and systemic infections (tetanus or Lock
jaw). Normally, this condition occurs when the procedure is done under unsanitary
environment like dirty scalpel blades, piglet with diarrhea. Also bathing piglets after
castration is not recommended.

2. Post-castration hernia. Sometimes, the inguinal ring is damaged due to excessive pulling of
the spermatic cord when the testicle is being forced out. In this case, the intestine might also
“follow” the testicle.

3. Haemorrhage. The longer the animal struggles due to handling and restrain during
castration, the bigger the chances of haemorrhage or bleeding. It is advised to perform
castration as quickly as possible.

Advantages of Castration

1. It reduces if not totally eliminate the obnoxious boar odor of the animals. It is said however that boar
odor manifests itself on intact males only during the ages of puberty.
2. It avoids accidental breeding. Some countries do separate rearing of males and females to avoid this.
3. Castrates are easier to handle because they are more docile.

Disadvantages of castration

1. Castrates grow slower than boars on a restricted ration and castrates also have a higher feed
conversion ratio than boars.
2. Boars have better slaughter quality (high percentage of 1 st class carcass)
3. Stress and slower growth just after castration (especially when castration takes place at an older age)
4. Time consuming and rough job.

Weaning the Piglets

Successful early weaning of pigs requires skill and attention to detail in all areas Weaning is a great
challenge to the young pig. Knowledge of the nutrient requirements, health status and growth patterns for
modern breeds of early-weaned pigs continue to develop. Early weaning of piglets at 14-21 days increases
sow productivity through the potential increase in the number of litters per sow per year

Feeding piglets whose mother does not produce enough milk

 If the sow does not produce enough milk the piglets should be given to another
sow which farrowed or gave birth up to three days before. This sow should have fewer piglets than the
number of teats on her udder. This is because the teats which are not being used by piglets dry off after three
days. Piglets normally take control of one teat at birth and continue to feed from it until they are weaned.
Transfer extra piglets to the sow with fewer piglets after disguising them with a spray which has a strong
smell e.g. engine oil/kerol diluted with water to last at least 1 or 2 days.

 All piglets should be sprayed as soon as introduction is done so that the foster mother doesn't
recognize its own as foreigners. If there is no sow to take over feeding the piglets, they will have to
be given extra food by hand. Goat or cow'smilk can be given to the piglets in the same way as for
motherless or orphaned piglets.
Congratulations, you made it! Now, can I check on what you have digested from this topic? Let’s try
out this exercises below.

Knowledge Check/
Exercise 1. Identification. Write the correct answer on the space provided before the number. No Erasures .

___________________1. This refers to the way the piglets are identified.

___________________2. This piglet’s action encourages the sow to milk let down.
___________________3. This management prevent piglet on tail biting from each other.
___________________4. Excessive bleeding where it can cause serious results during castration.
___________________5. This disease is caused by iron deficiency.
___________________6. This refers to a simple operation wherein the testicles are removed.
___________________7. The first milk and should be taken by the piglets on the same day they were born
to be able to fight against diseases.
___________________8. The first solid food that should be offered to the piglets that help to get used to
feeding at an early age.
___________________9. How many needle teeth you need to cut in a boar?
___________________10. Piglets should be given iron inject on __________ after birth.
___________________11. Length of umbilical cord to be cut.
___________________12. A supplementation needed by the new born piglets.

Exercise 2. Terminal Report

1. Imagine yourself working on a farm as the operations manager. State what are the preparations,
management and the things you have to do during the whole operation from the onset of heat
period of sow until the weaning period of the piglets. Write it comprehensively. 250 minimum
words.

CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF GROWING-FINISHING PIGS

 Lesson 6

1. Scour Control
2. Gastro-Intestinal Parasite

Worms are one of the most serious threats to pig keeping. There are more than 30 types affecting the
intestines of pigs. The most important two are the intestinal roundworm and the tape worm.

Roundworms

Roundworms live in the gut and take food from the pig. The pig can therefore become thin. Giant
intestinal roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) are common around the world, especially in warm, moist
climates. These worms are large, about the size of a pencil. The infection begins with the ingestion of eggs
which are usually present in contaminated soil, or on fruits and vegetables grown in infected soil.
Symptoms:

 Anorexia in advanced stages.

 Anaemia loss of condition.
 Weight loss in later stages.
 When the worms die suddenly after treatment, they can block the gut and cause sudden death.

Prevention:

 Control with medicine in the food is useful and provide clean and dry pens.
 Rotational grazing and periodic disinfection of pastures.
 Separation of young ones from adults.
 Washing sows before farrowing.
 Periodic deworming
 Herbal treatment: herbs such as moringa are considered to be antihelmintic (able to kill intestinal
worms)

Tapeworm

Tapeworms are flat and long ribbon like creatures which are common in all parts of the world.
Tapeworms do not have a digestive system so they receive their food through their skin as they absorb our
nutrients. They especially absorb folic acid and vitamin B-12. These parasites may cause what is referred to
as “verminous intoxication” as they put out and leave dangerous waste products in our bodies. These
tapeworms can roll themselves into a ball and can be felt on the right side of the abdomen under the liver.

Pork measles is caused by tapeworms which live in the muscles of pigs. They do not
usually affect the pig, but can lead to pain and the pig may find it difficult to move around. When people eat
undercooked measly pork, the worms develop inside the people, and can make them very sick.

Symptoms

 Poor growth
 Rough grey hair coat
 Swollen belly
 Emaciation
 Anaemia

Prevention

 Prevent the pigs from wandering about where they can feed on human faeces
 Make sure that people working with pigs use toilets (hygiene and sanitation)
 Deworming

Lungworm

The eggs of the lungworm have to ripen within the earthworm, before they become infectious to
swine. In short, swine can only be infected with lung worm when they allowed to have contact with
earthworms through parturing.

Muscular/bladder worms

The larvae of muscular worms and bladder worms settle in the muscles of the swine. They only
develop to adult worms if this infected meal is eaten by humans without being thoroughly cooked or deep
frozen. This means these worms tke its toll to humans, that is why, fatteners with cysticercus is unfit for
human consumption.

Routes of infection:

1. Oral intake of eggs through feces

2. Infection through the skin
3. Infection through the milk
4. Transplacental infection

Prevention and control

1. General hygiene
2. Good deworming program
3. Proper disposal of human waste
4. Confinement of animals prevent infection with lungworm

EXTERNAL PARASITE CONTROL

 It is the name of a skin disease, caused by a mite, Sarcoptesscabeior itch mite. The mites
burrow deep into the skin, forming holes in which eggs are laid. The eggs hatch into larvae within 5
days, then molt into nymphs and finally become adult. This cycle from egg to a productive females
takes 10 to 15 days.

Risks of infection include

1. Sow to piglet
2. From litter to pen
3. Unhealed wound
4. Fly infestation

Lice

Haematopinussuis or pig louse is an insect that also sticks to the skin of the pig. It does not
burrow, but it sucks the blood and cause bite wounds.

Treatment and control

A control program must begin with the breeding herd, ensuring them clean before treatment
and transfer to a farrowing house/pen. This would minimize the spread of mange to baby pigs.

Boars should not be forgotten as they are a constant source of infestation if left unattended.
Isolation and treatment of new breeding stocks, along with proper control measures in the
existing herd, can help prevent economic losses caused by sarcoptic mange.

Suggested deworming and mange control program for piglets:

1. Deworming is best done at the age 8-12 weeks or at the weight of 15-20 kgs.
2. Mange and lice can best be treated before they enter the fattening or nursery houses. The
second treatment is to be done on the first day of transfer. It is also possible to give the first
treatment on the day of transfer and the second treatment one week after transfer.
Exercise 1. Discussion.

1. How are you going to control scouring in pigs?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________.
2. Discuss what to do when there’s an infected animal with external parasites.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
3. Give 2 example sign of scouring pig.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
4. Give 1 internal parasite and how to control it.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
MODULE ASSESSMENT

Prepare a semi-detailed questionnaire on the management of Swine. Use the questionnaire to

interview a local raiser from your area (backyard or commercial farm). Cite the difference and
compare with the proper management from the lessons I have given. Please indicate on the
questionnaire their response, capture the image of the questionnaire and photo documentation of
the survey and submit automatically on my private messenger.

Rubrics:

Required Elements (Identification of the main issues) - 50%

Analysis and Evaluation - 30%
Writing Mechanics - 20%
100%