Nyazuva Agroo Plug

06/11/2025

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04/11/2025

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04/11/2025

💧 Why water is important:

• Water is the most important nutrient for pigs – they can tolerate a lack of food for several days, but not a lack of water.
• It is necessary for digestion, temperature regulation, blood circulation and milk production in sows.
• Too little water can lead to poor appetite, reduced growth, constipation and, in the worst case, mortality.

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💦 Daily water requirement:

The requirement varies according to age, size, feed type and temperature. Here are approximate figures:

Type of pig - Litres of water per day (approx.):

Piglets (up to 20 kg)- 1 to 3 litres

Fattening pigs (20 to 100 kg)- 4 to 10 litres

Pregnant sow - 8 to 15 litres

Growing sow - 15 to 40 litres (depending on litter size and temperature)

Boars (male pigs) - 8 to 15 litres

(If it is warm in the barn, the need can increase by 30–50%)

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🚰 Water quality:

• The water should be clean, fresh and without odor or taste.
• Pigs are sensitive to poor water quality. Too high levels of iron, sulfur, bacteria or salt can lead to reduced water intake and health problems.
• pH between 6.5 and 8.5 is recommended.
• Regular cleaning of drinking ni***es and water pipes is important to avoid biofilm and bacteria.

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🐽 Watering systems:

• Most barns use ni***es or bowl drinkers.
• Ni**le height should be adjusted according to the size of the pig:
• Piglets: approx. 15–30 cm above the floor
• Finisher pigs: 40–70 cm
• Sows: 70–90 cm
• Water pressure: usually 1–2 bar to ensure enough water without too much spillage.

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🧪 Tips:
• Check water flow: Finisher pigs should get at least 1 liter/minute, sows 2 liters/minute.
• Try to observe the pigs – if they drink for a long time without being satisfied, or gather around one point, it may indicate low pressure or poor water quality.

03/11/2025

CARING AND MANAGEMENT OF NEWBORN PIGLETS:

Newborn piglets are poorly equipped to keep warm immediately after birth and the energy reserves to produce body heat (glycogen stored in
the liver) are limited.

Reasons for piglet chilling include:
• Small size means they lose heat fast
• Lack of brown fat (no internal heat source)
• Little surface fat and no hair (no insulation)
• Born wet with birth fluids (further chilling)

How to give care and handling of newborn pigles:

🐖 1. Preparations before farrowing
• Cleaning: Clean and disinfect the farrowing pen before moving the sow in.
• Bedding and temperature: Provide dry, soft bedding. The sow thrives at around 18–20 °C, while newborn piglets need 34–37 °C.
• Warming area: Have a heat lamp or heating mat ready so that the piglets have a warm and safe area separate from the sow.

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👶 2. At birth
• Presence: Observe the birth, but disturb as little as possible.
• Remove membranes: If necessary, remove membranes from the piglet's nose and mouth to ensure free breathing.
• Drying: Rub the piglet dry with straw or a towel to stimulate breathing and blood circulation.
• Moving to warm area: After birth, the piglet should be placed under the heat lamp to prevent hypothermia.

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🍼 3. The first hours
• Colostrum: Piglets must receive colostrum (colostrum) from the sow within the first 4–6 hours after birth. This provides energy, warmth and antibodies.
• If the sow has many piglets, make sure that they all get to suckle at the teats in turn.
• Signs of weakness: Weak piglets may need extra help – for example, by guiding them to a teat or giving colostrum by syringe.

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✂️ 4. Care in the first days
• Teeth grinding: The milk teeth (canines) can be ground to avoid injury to the sow and other piglets.
• Tail docking: Should only be carried out when necessary and according to regulations (not routinely).
• Iron: Piglets need iron to avoid anemia. Give iron injections (usually 1–3 days of age, 200 mg Fe).
• Marking: Ear tag or tattoo for identification.
• Umbilical cord: Cut if necessary and disinfect to avoid infection.

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🧸 5. Further care
• Environment: Keep the pen and heating zone clean and dry.
• Temperature: Adjust the heating lamp according to age - gradually reduce to 28 °C after 10–14 days.
• Feeding: Piglets start to nibble solid food from about 7–10 days.
• Water: Access to drinking water from the first week.

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🧑‍🌾 6. Weaning (usually at 4–6 weeks)
• Happens gradually, preferably with access to familiar feed and water.
• Avoid stress - keep litters together, and ensure stable environmental conditions.

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⚠️ 7. Observe health and behavior

Signs of problems:
• Weak or cold piglets → risk of low blood sugar.
• Diarrhea → may indicate infection or too cold pen.
• Sores on skin or tail → review environment and care routines.