What I should prepare before farrowing? ?

Before farrowing, you should prepare the following:

1. Clean and disinfect the farrowing area: Make sure the farrowing area is clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases to the newborn piglets.

2. Provide a comfortable and safe environment: Ensure that the farrowing area is warm, dry, and free from drafts to keep the piglets comfortable and healthy.

3. Provide nesting materials: Provide nesting materials such as straw or hay for the sow to build a nest for her piglets.

4. Have necessary supplies on hand: Have supplies such as towels, heat lamps, umbilical cord clamps, iodine solution for disinfecting the piglets' navels, and a thermometer on hand for assisting with the farrowing process.

5. Have a plan in place for emergencies: Be prepared for any potential complications during farrowing, such as a difficult birth or a sick piglet, and have a plan in place for how to handle these situations.

6. Monitor the sow closely: Keep a close eye on the sow leading up to and during farrowing to ensure she is healthy and ready to give birth.

7. Have a veterinarian on call: Have a veterinarian on call in case of any emergencies or complications during farrowing.

Materials and Equipment:

- Farrowing crate: Clean and disinfected with adequate space for the sow and piglets.
- Pig mats: Heavy-duty mats placed in the farrowing crate for comfort and warmth.
- Heat lamp: Suspended above the piglets to provide additional heat.
- Nest box: Optional but recommended for piglets to establish a comfortable resting area.
- Clean towels or rags: For drying and cleaning piglets.
- Veterinary supplies: Antiseptic, umbilical cord clamps, iodine solution, or spray.
- Ear tags or tattoos: For piglet identification.
- Weighing scale: To monitor piglet weights.
- Feeding equipment: Milk replacer, colostrum bottles or bowls, nipples.
- Water buckets or bottles: For sow and piglets.

Sow Management:

- Prepare the sow: Wash and disinfect the sow's udder and surrounding area 24-48 hours before farrowing.
- Provide a secluded farrowing pen: Allow the sow to nest and be undisturbed in the days leading up to farrowing.
- Monitor her behavior: Observe for signs of impending farrowing, such as restlessness, rooting, and increased respiration.

Piglet Care:

- Dry and assist piglets: Use clean towels or rags to dry and stimulate piglets immediately after birth.
- Check for defects: Inspect piglets for any birth defects or respiratory issues.
- Clamp umbilical cord: Clamp the umbilical cord approximately 2-3 inches from the piglet's body.
- Apply antiseptic: Apply antiseptic solution or spray to the umbilical cord stump to prevent infection.
- Provide colostrum: Feed piglets colostrum within the first 24 hours to provide vital nutrients and immunity.
- Weigh piglets: Record piglet weights to monitor growth and development.
- Establish a feeding routine: Provide piglets with milk replacer or sow's milk as needed.

Other Preparations:

- Contact your veterinarian: Have their contact information readily available in case of any emergencies.
- Notify staff: Inform other staff members of the expected farrowing date and responsibilities.
- Clean and disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the farrowing area, equipment, and crates before and after farrowing.