Check housing now to keep out worst of winter and pests
Check housing now to keep out worst of winter and pests
By Jonathan Riley
NOW is the time to prepare outdoor units to ensure pig performance does not suffer in winter and to protect feed from vermin.
Cotswold Pig Developments outdoor development manager Mike Williamson explains that vermin activity is at its peak as rats and mice move from the fields into grain stores and on to pig units.
"Once vermin have secured a food source they tend to stay with it for the duration of the winter," says Mr Williamson. But he suggests that precautions taken now could discourage rats and birds.
"Bait boxes for rats and mice should be placed around the perimeter fencing. Feed hopper lids and flaps should also be repaired to reduce feed spillage and keep birds out. This simple measure will cut feed waste, discourage vermin and hence reduce disease risks," says Mr Williamson.
"Simple repairs will also help to ensure that sows are getting the feed provided. Sustaining intakes is vital to maintain milk production and birthweights which in turn increases piglet survival."
To maintain sow condition, he recommends increasing feed rates from 2.5kg a sow in the summer to 3kg as colder weather begins. When weather is bad he suggests this may have to be increased further.
Higher density feeds should be offered to gilts to help them as they acclimatise to life outdoors.
For dry sows Mr Williamson advises offering a good-sized, firm roll to eliminate losses to birds. When weather is wet he suggests providing straw pads to reduce feed waste and soil damage.
Where possible, manage sows in smaller groups so they can be fed more closely to their requirements, with feed levels matched to the average sow in the group.
Fresh water is also vital to sustain feed intakes and milk production. On colder nights, water may freeze and bowsers should be filled and kept under cover in readiness. Water supplies should be checked for leaks and for pressure and should be resited now, he says.
When left, trenches created around water troughs during summer will fill with water, encouraging sows to drink from the muddy puddles rather than take fresh water.
He suggests water tanks should be placed close to huts so sows do not have to move far to get water.
Huts also need to be moved to winter positions facing away from the prevailing wind and placed about 5-10m (16-33ft) apart. This gives sows their own space and territory and helps cut disease risks.
Huts should be checked for draught holes and repaired with any broken tin or wood that will flap in the wind. "It may not seem necessary now but if there is a lot of noise during the night pigs cant rest. Restless sows are more likely to overlie piglets and will be more prone to disease," he says. *
Cotswold Pig Developments Mike Williamson (inset)… Huts should be resited out of the prevailing wind and repaired before cold weather arrives.
winter preparations
• Re-site huts and water tanks.
• Repair feeders.
• Increase feed rates.