The Good Living Guide to Country Skills by Abigail R. Gehring

Author:Abigail R. Gehring
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Good Books
Published: 2016-04-20T16:00:00+00:00

As pigs grow, their dietary needs change, which is why feeding stages are often classified as starter, grower, and finisher. Your newly weaned piglets make up the starting group, pigs 50 to 125 pounds are growing, and those between the 125- and 270-pound market weight are finishing pigs.

As your pigs grow, they will consume more feed and should transition to a less dense, reduced-protein diet. You should let your pigs self-feed during every stage. In other words, allow them to consume the maximum amount they will take in a single feeding. Letting your pigs self-feed once or twice a day allows them to grow and gain weight quickly.

Another essential part of feeding is to make sure you provide a constant supply of fresh, clean water. Your options range from automatic watering systems to water barrels. Your pigs can actually go longer without feed than they can without water, so it’s important to keep them hydrated.

Common Diseases Affecting Pigs

Just like with humans, pigs can build up their immune systems by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and plenty of exercise. Being sure your pigs have space to roam, a clean living environment, and nutrient-rich food will go a long way in keeping your livestock healthy. You can help to prevent the most common pig diseases from affecting your herd by asking your veterinarian about vaccination programs. Common diseases include E. coli—a bacteria typically caused by contaminated fecal matter in the living environment that causes piglets to experience diarrhea. Many people advise to vaccinate female pigs for E. coli before they begin farrowing. Another common pig disease is erysipelas, which is caused by bacteria that pigs secrete through their saliva or waste products. Heart infections and chronic arthritis are possible ailments the bacteria cause in pigs that can lead to death. Some farmers inoculate pregnant females and newly bought feeder pigs to defend against this prevalent disease.

Other diseases to watch out for are atrophic rhinitis, characterized by inflammation of a pig’s nasal tissues; leptospirosis, an easily spreadable bacteria-borne disease; and porcine parvovirus, an intestinal virus that can spread without showing symptoms.

Q & A

Q: Should I vaccinate my organic pigs?

A: In the United States, vaccinating pigs against common diseases is allowed—and even encouraged—when raising pigs for certified organic pork. However, many diseases can be prevented by providing your pigs with quality feed, a clean environment, enough natural light, and opportunities to exercise. When pigs do become ill, they should be separated from the other livestock to prevent disease from spreading.

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