Ten top tips for raising pigs in winter!

The weather is getting colder and colder. If the pig farm is poorly managed, it may even cause the weak and sickly pigs to freeze to death, which will cause losses to the pig farm. For pig farmers, they should not only do a good job in keeping warm, but also take good management measures to ensure that the pigs can grow normally in the cold season

1. Enclosure maintenance
   The enclosure should be built in a high dry and sunny place. The windows on the north, west and east sides should be blocked. The gaps on the roof and walls should be repaired in time. The windows and ventilation holes of the enclosure should be 1.0-1.5 meters above the ground to keep the enclosure temperature relatively stable.
2. Straw curtains are hung on the doors and windows of the enclosure
   The doors and windows of the enclosure can be covered with straw curtains or the entire door and window can be covered with plastic cloth to prevent the cold wind from invading the enclosure and keep warm.
3. Build plastic shed
   Decentralized pig raising can generally be carried out in accordance with the enclosure model, adapt measures to local conditions, and simplify the situation. Arch and ridge shapes can be set above the enclosure. The light transmission and temperature gathering of the plastic shed can increase the shed temperature by about 5 ℃, which is conducive to the growth of pigs.
4. Grass mattress
   In winter, 15 cm thick corn leaves or other hay should be paved on the pig bed, which can not only absorb moisture and harmful gases, but also improve the temperature of the livestock bed. Lay 10 cm thick sawdust in the livestock pen, add the starter, and the sawdust will start to ferment after several days. The temperature can reach 35 ℃, which will increase the temperature in the house.
5. Let the pigs sleep in a warm nest
   Dig a 50 cm deep flat soil pit, spread a layer of soft grass inside, cover it with straw, and let the piglets warm up inside.
6. The livestock house is provided with thermal insulation layer
   The ceiling of the enclosed enclosure is 1.8-2.0m above the ground. Sawdust and rice husks are added on the shed, and grass is laid on the ground for livestock to lie down. A vent shall be reserved for every two rooms of the ceiling to discharge ammonia and moisture in the house.
7. Careful feeding
   Energy feeds such as sorghum and corn should be appropriately added when preparing pig diets. Feed with warm water after fermentation. The feed supply should be sufficient. At about 0 o’clock every night, an additional night meal should be given to enhance the cold resistance and disease resistance and promote rapid growth.
8. Add traditional Chinese medicine
   The feed can be added with traditional Chinese medicine that can promote blood circulation and remove stasis, invigorate the spleen and dry dampness, and dispel wind and cold, which can not only promote the rapid fattening of livestock, but also prevent cold and disease.
9. Increase feeding density
   In winter, the number of livestock in the shed can be increased by 1/3 to 1/2 than usual, so that pigs can warm each other with their body temperature. In addition, more livestock can dissipate heat, which can improve the shed temperature.
10. Keep the barn dry
    The greater the humidity in the enclosure, the colder the livestock will feel. In order to prevent moisture and rain leakage, the shed shall be frequently padded and replaced with hay and scarified, and the livestock shall be allowed to discharge excrement and urine at fixed points, so as to keep the livestock’s sleeping place clean, dry and comfortable, and promote the growth, development and health of livestock.
    The above are some management measures for raising pigs in winter. I hope they can help pig farmers raise pigs well in winter and make a lot of money.