How to raise pigs on a small scale

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If you plan to sell the sow, keep her at least one week, because awet sow is usually docked. In addition, for the first couple ofweeks after weaning, a sow has very good feed conversion rate.After that, however, you will start losing money by keeping her.

If the sow is kept, withhold feed one day prior to weaning to stopmilk production. After weaning, breed back on the first heat cycle(3-8 days after weaning), preferably mating her twice, 12 to 24hours apart. If she is too thin, delay breeding until the secondestrus. Cut feed to four pounds a day right after breeding, in thefirst case; if you wait until the second heat, cut to four poundsat weaning. You may also want to investigate the possibility ofusing AI (artificial insemination) instead of buying or leasing aboar. Check the Reference section.
Care of Baby Pigs
It is vital that pigs nurse soon after birth since colostrum givesthem some protection against infection the first few weeks. ( Table4 ) Fact sheet AS-17 contains drawings showing how to do eachprocedure. Iron shots are not necessary if the litter is farrowedoutside (on pasture or dirt), but are recommended as insurance.Give the shots intramuscularly in the neck - AS-17 tells how.

Prestarter feed with added edible iron and TBZ powder may beoffered in a shallow pan when pigs are seven to ten days old. Placeit where the sow cannot get to it; plans for building a creepfeeder are available from Florida Plan Service. The address islisted under References at the end of this publication.

At weaning, (three to six weeks old, weighing at least 12 pounds),pigs can be fed an 18% CP starter. One hundred to 250 grams(3.5-7.5 oz.) of antibiotics per ton of feed can be added to givepigs a good start, but do not abuse the use. Consult the DrugWithdrawal Guide, available through the Extension service, becausethe FDA is getting stricter about residues. At 60 pounds pigs canbe treated as described under Finishing Feeders.

To improve profits, concentrate on saving as many pigs as possiblefrom birth to market. If you want to sell the litter as feeders(40-60 pounds) ask your county agent for the schedule of feeder pigsales in your area. Make sure pigs are weaned, vaccinated anddewormed, and the males castrated. Pigs with docked tails also mayhave an advantage. Buyers are looking for the same thing you are:thrifty, growthy, alert pigs they can feed for a profit. If youbuild a reputation for having good pigs, when you decide to expand,your market will already be developed.