Podcast: Managing the farrowing process of pigs

It’s Meadow Feeds time again and this time we focus on the practical management of the sow and piglet around the farrowing process. Gareth Salmond, the divisional technical manager for swine at Meadow Feeds, shares valuable advice with pig farmers.

According to Salmond, the farrowing unit requires a substantial amount of attention on a piggery, due to the fact that the biggest difference can be made there.

“The management of the farrowing unit is extremely important. It is the one area which generally requires the most attention on the piggery, but it’s also where the biggest difference can be made in terms of improving the piggery’s results and therefore operating profit,” he explains.

For this reason, we refer to the farrowing unit as the engine room of the farrow to finish piggery.

Understanding farrowing management

Salmond breaks down farrowing management into two main parts.

“Firstly, it begins with the management of the sow, ensuring she is smoothly transitioned from the gestation period into the lactation period.”

It is important to avoid any factors that may cause any stress or discomfort to the sow. The main aim is to make sure that the sow is healthy, receiving the nutrients she requires, as well as being comfortable raising a strong and healthy litter.

“Sows are generally moved a few days before farrowing. Disruptions to feed and water intake during the transition period can have detrimental consequences and should be managed daily,” he says.

“Secondly, the management of the piglets to promote their survival as well as promoting their good health and growth throughout the lactation period,” Salmond adds.