What are the stages of growth and development of pigs?

Piglets are usually divided into lactation period, conservation period and growth and fattening period according to their physiological characteristics and nutritional needs, so that different feeding and management measures can be taken according to their physiological characteristics.

(1) lactation stage

The cycle of piglets from birth to weaning is generally 3-5 weeks. Lactating piglets are in the early stage of life and are easily affected by the external environment and get sick. Poor feeding management can also lead to the death of piglets. Therefore, strengthening the feeding management of suckling piglets is the key link to improve the survival rate of piglets and the benefit of raising pigs.

(2) Maintenance stage

The time from weaning to the end of breastfeeding is usually 5 weeks. After weaning, piglets lose the environment where they live with their mothers, and the feed types and environment change, which is a great pressure on their growth and development. At this stage, pigs are prone to weight loss, physical weakness, increased incidence, and improper feeding management is prone to pig stiffness and even death. Therefore, it is very important to do a good job in feeding and managing weaned piglets.

(3) Growth and fattening stage

Piglets are kept in the growth shed after conservation until they are released, which is usually about 17 weeks (70 ~ 180 days old). This stage is the fastest period for the growth and development of pigs, and it is also an important period for pig operators to obtain economic benefits. In feeding management, it is necessary to strengthen nutrition supply, provide sufficient clean drinking water, do a good job in environmental sanitation and disease prevention and control inside and outside the house, and ensure the full growth and development of pigs.