Fostering Pigs Forward

Garth Pig Stockmanship Standards

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Fostering Pigs Forward
Preparation
1	Ideally foster pigs within 6 - 8 hours of birth to a similarly farrowed sow.
2	If fostered within this time period piglets will obtain colostrum from the foster sow.
3	Do not foster new-born piglets for at least 6 -- 8 hours after birth when the foster sow has been farrowed 12 hours or more (this ensures maximum colostrum intake).
4	Even all litters by size and numbers where possible.
Making a New Litter
1	Select the new-born surplus piglets, say 10. Always select the biggest and strongest.
2	Make sure each piglet has suckled for 6 hours and taken in maximum colostrum.
3	Identify a sow (second litter ideal) suckling 10 piglets 4 - 5 days old.
4	Mix and fasten the new-born and 5 day old piglets together in the creep for at least 1/2 hour.
5	Remove the 5 day old pigs to a similar sow suckling around 10 day old piglets and repeat the process.
6	Remove the 10 day old piglets to a similar sow suckling 16 day old piglets and wean the latter.
7	The fostering can be done in two stages 5 - 8 days and 12 - 16 days but there is a greater rejection of the piglets by the sow.

From: Managing Pig Health and the Treatment of Disease

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Extracted from Garth Pig Stockmanship Standards*
written by Dr John Carr.

You can buy this book HERE
*Published by 5M Enterprises Limited