Terms —
- Boar: An intact male
- Sow: Female that has given birth
- Gilt: Young female that has not given birth
- Barrow: Young, castrated (fixed) male
- Piglet: A baby pig. Who would've guessed?
Biosecurity
What is it?
Management practices to help prevent the introduction and tramnsmission of diseases into a herd.
It can be transmitted through:
- Wildlife
- Pets
- Vehicles
- Equiptment
- Humans
- New animals
- Clothing
- Shoes
and
- Air
Ways to prevent this:
Keep wildlife out, change clothes and shoes after visiting each farm, disinfect trailer after moving animals wash hands clothing, and boots.
Farrowing
- Sow giving birth to piglets
Gestation period is three months, 3 weeks, and 3 days
- Farrowing crates are used to hold the sow in a more confined area so she is less likely to lay on/hurt the piglets.
Benefits of farrowing crates
- Stops pigs from being mean to each other
- Space saving
- Temperature control
- Farmer is better able to help give birth with the sow
- Allows the sow to be in multiple positions
- Better working conditions
- Easier to feed
Disadvantages
- Cannibalism
- Sow will refuse to breast feed
- Piglets can get crushed
- Lameness