One of the key concerns during summer is preventing heat stress in pregnant sows. To ensure their comfort, it's essential to maintain a cool and dry environment within the pig house. Install screens on windows and doors to keep out insects like mosquitoes, and provide shading and proper ventilation to reduce the risk of heat stroke. On extremely hot days, misting the barn with cool water can help lower temperatures, but avoid spraying directly on the sow. When the temperature exceeds 30°C, consider using air conditioning or electric fans to quickly cool the area and prevent stillbirths.
Secondly, preventing disease transmission is crucial. In summer, sows are more susceptible to lice and other parasites, especially around the ears. For sows in the final stages of pregnancy, limit feed intake for the first three days before farrowing, and offer only wheat bran porridge after birth. Before moving the sow to the farrowing house, clean and disinfect her with a 2% potassium permanganate solution, allowing her to dry completely. Disinfect the farrowing area as well to ensure a clean and healthy environment for the piglets after birth.
Thirdly, controlling environmental pollution is important. Regularly remove feces and perform routine disinfection using safe agents such as sodium hypochlorite. Avoid using quicklime or formaldehyde, as they can be harmful to sows. Feed wet mixtures in the troughs, minimize leftovers, and remove them promptly to prevent mold growth. Clean and dry the troughs daily to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.
Fourth, preventing mechanical abortion is vital. In farms with many breeding sows, it’s important to manage the density properly. For example, in a 7-9 square meter pen, no more than four sows should be housed during the early pregnancy stage, and no more than two during late pregnancy. Keeping them separate helps prevent aggressive behavior, uneven feeding, and stress-related miscarriages. If there are nearby pastures, allowing sows to graze can improve their health and reduce the likelihood of complications during farrowing.
Fifth, protecting sows from insect bites is necessary. Mosquitoes, flies, and other pests not only disturb the sow’s rest but also pose a risk of transmitting diseases. Install mosquito nets early in the summer and use natural repellents such as vitamin B1 (30-40 mg every three days) to make the sow emit an odor that repels insects. Additionally, rubbing crushed tomato leaves or mint leaves on the sow can effectively deter pests without harming the animal.
Sixth, reducing disturbances is essential. Pregnant sows are highly sensitive to noise and sudden changes in their environment. Keep the area around the pig house quiet and avoid long-distance transportation during hot weather, as this can lead to heat stress and even death. When purchasing or transporting sows, ensure cool conditions during nighttime to reduce stress and improve survival rates.
Lastly, managing feeding practices is crucial in summer. Increase the frequency of feedings while avoiding overfeeding. Provide feed in the early morning, evening, and at night. Before each meal, remove any leftover feed and clean the trough thoroughly. Ensure a constant supply of clean drinking water, and add a small amount of salt or 0.01% potassium permanganate to enhance hydration. Place water coolers in shaded areas to prevent overheating. During peak heat, offer some concentrated feed to encourage better appetite and nutrient intake.
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