Optimizing Pig ‍Health During Seasonal Transitions

This summer’s severe heat wave has weakened pigs’ immunity, making them more ​susceptible to diseases. As the autumn season approaches, bringing large daily temperature⁤ fluctuations, the Rural Development Administration has introduced essential feeding management methods for raising healthy pigs.

The Rural Development Administration (Director Kwon Jae-han) emphasizes that​ during seasonal transitions, pigs’ respiratory ⁣mucosa becomes weaker, increasing the frequency of respiratory diseases. Maintaining ‍an‍ optimal temperature inside the pigsty is crucial⁤ for each ⁢breeding section,⁤ particularly for young pigs with thin fat layers who ⁢are sensitive to⁢ cold.

Temperature Management for Piglets

The ideal temperature for farrowing piglets is between 18 to ⁣21 degrees ⁤Celsius. However, newborn piglets⁢ require a warmer environment, with temperatures maintained at 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. Installing heating devices, such as warming lamps ‍and warming boxes, can help create a separate warming area for these vulnerable animals.

Humidity Control and Ventilation

High humidity inside the pigsty ​can⁢ facilitate‌ bacterial growth, while low humidity can ​generate ‍dust, leading to respiratory inflammation in pigs. Controlling humidity levels between 60-70% is essential. This can be achieved by spraying water and regulating ventilation volume using a ventilation fan. To prevent rapid temperature changes, set the ventilation fan to operate slowly.

Nutritional Support During Seasonal Transitions

The large⁢ daily temperature difference during the transition season can reduce feed consumption in pigs.⁤ Providing separate pens for weak individuals, especially those​ in the growing⁣ and ​fattening period, ensures they receive⁢ adequate ‍nutrition. Supplemental ‍feeding of⁢ vitamins and⁢ minerals is necessary‍ for ⁣weak mother pigs to ​maintain their body shape and prevent reproductive ⁤performance decline.

Cho Gyu-ho, ‌head of the Pig Farming Division at the National Institute of ⁤Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, stresses, ‌”Pigs’ immunity is greatly weakened by the large daily temperature range during the transitional season following the summer‍ heat wave. We ‌must⁤ pay special attention ⁣to temperature and humidity management, ventilation, ⁣and nutritional supply inside pig pens to protect the health of pigs.”