Swine Husbandry

Question 1

what is the goal of all swine operations and how do we accomplish it?

Answer 1

to produce a healthy pork product for the consumer by good management, knowledge, relationships with vets and healthy animals

Question 2

Modern facilities should have good __ and __ control

Answer 2

ventilation, temperature

Question 3

waterers allow for normal drinking as well as __. What are some examples of this?

Answer 3

environmental enrichment

• nipple waterers
• cup waterers
• wet/dry feeders
• trough waterers

Question 4

what 3 things must animals be able to do whether in groups or individual stalls/crates?

Answer 4

1. lie down without the head having to rest on a raised feeder
2. ie down without the rear quarters having to be in contact with the back of the stall
3. easily lie down in full lateral recumbency and stand back up

Question 5

the breeding herd should be getting at least __ lb/hd/day for maintenance and at least __ for the sows when they’re lactating

Answer 5

6, double

Question 6

Non-productive sow day

Answer 6

anytime a female is in the breeding herd and is not pregnant or nursing

Question 7

what factors affect NPD?

Answer 7

pre-service, post-service and removal intervals

Question 8

gilts have a __ cycling rate post weaning while sows are __

Answer 8

70-85%, 85-90%

Question 9

what is the goal sow cull rate? what factors affect this?

Answer 9

< 40%

poor performance
fail to return to heat
lameness
death

Question 10

what may lead to death of embryos within 12 days of insemination?

Answer 10

over feeding, heat stress, illness

Question 11

farrowing flooring is generally what?

Answer 11

plastic coated wire for piglets and wire in middle of crate to keep sow cool

Question 12

farrowing crates are designed to prevent sows from __ piglets. what temperature level is comfortable for sows and piglets?

Answer 12

crushing

sows: 60-80 F
piglets: 85-95 F -> may provide zone heating (lamps/mats)

Question 13

sows get moved into the farrowing crates __ days prior to the due date

Answer 13

5-7

Question 14

describe piglet restraint

Answer 14

can be held by rear legs or held close to the body in sternal recumbency

hold near body or back when they get bigger

Question 15

types of mechanical restraint

Answer 15

snares, v troughs, slings

Question 16

what are some things to ensure when restraining with a snare?

Answer 16

Ensure the snare is far enough back in the mouth and make sure it is not cutting off the pig’s nares or ability to breathe from the nose. Allow them to back up and relax