How to wean piglets?

The right weaning at the right time is very important for the growth and development of both sows and piglets. At present, there are two weaning methods for piglets from the time point of view: one is the early weaning method, and the other is the routine weaning method. Early weaning is before 45 days of age; conventional weaning is usually around 60 days of age. In order to improve the utilization rate of sows and increase the number of litters per year, early weaning method can be adopted, but it is necessary to create good environmental conditions for piglets, give suitable and stable temperature, and feed comprehensive nutrition and easy to digest feeds. If there is no condition, regular weaning method can be adopted.

From the point of view of the weaning process, there are three common methods of weaning piglets:

(1) One-time weaning method

That is, 3 days before weaning to reduce the daily feeding of lactating sows rations, to reach the scheduled weaning time, decisive and rapid separation of mother and child implementation of simultaneous weaning. This method is simple, easy to operate, and mainly applies to sows whose lactation has been significantly reduced and who are not at risk of mastitis.

(2) Batch weaning method

That is, according to the development of the piglets, the amount of food and the use of the piglets, they are weaned one after another. This method is labor-intensive and the nursing period of the sows is longer, but it can be better applied to the growth and development of unbalanced or foster piglets and sows with strong milk. Generally, one week before the scheduled weaning, the piglets ready to be fattened will be isolated first, so that the piglets ready for breeding and the piglets with backward development will continue to nurse, and then the sows will be transferred out on the scheduled weaning date.

(3) Gradual weaning method

That is, 4 to 6 days before the scheduled weaning date of piglets, separate the mother from the piglets. The sows are often driven out of their original pens and put back to nurse at regular intervals, and the number of nursing sessions is reduced day by day until they are weaned. This method is more complete and reliable, can reduce the stimulation of the mother and child, applicable to different situations of sows.