CATDOLL : How to judge low body temperature in piglets and its influencing factors

introduction

In the pig farming industry, the management of **piglet health** is crucial. As the weakest individuals in the herd, piglets have poor resistance and are easily affected by the external environment. **Body temperature** is one of the important indicators for assessing the health of piglets. Knowing under what conditions piglets have low body temperature and how to effectively monitor piglets' body temperature is extremely important for farmers to ensure the healthy growth of piglets.

What is low body temperature in piglets?

The normal body temperature of young pigs generally ranges from 38.5°C to 39.5°C . When a piglet's body temperature is below 38.5°C , it is called hypothermia . This condition may cause the piglet to have a loss of appetite, reduced activity, or even more serious health problems. Therefore, timely detection and response to low body temperature in young pigs is crucial to prevent the invasion of pathogens and promote their healthy growth.

Causes of low body temperature in piglets

Low body temperature in young pigs is usually closely related to the following factors:

• Environmental factors: Low temperature or humid environment can cause piglets to have a low body temperature.
• Malnutrition: If young pigs do not take in enough nutrition, insufficient energy reserves in their bodies can also lead to low body temperature.
• Impact of disease: Piglets suffering from epidemic diseases, diarrhea and other diseases are prone to low body temperature due to their weak bodies and reduced metabolic capacity.
• Sow health status: If there is a problem with the sow's health status during farrowing, it will also affect the piglets' colostrum intake, thereby affecting their body temperature.

How to monitor piglet temperature

Monitoring the temperature of young pigs requires the use of a professional thermometer. Here are a few common methods:

• Rectal thermometer: This is the most accurate method. Gently insert the thermometer into the piglet's rectum and hold it there for a few minutes before taking a reading.
• Ear thermometer: Use an infrared ear thermometer to scan the piglet's ear to quickly know the body temperature, which is suitable for frequent testing.
• Axillary temperature measurement: Although not as accurate as rectal temperature measurement, axillary temperature measurement is convenient and quick, and is suitable for use in low-risk environments.

How to judge whether piglets have low body temperature

In addition to regular temperature monitoring, farmers can also use some symptoms to determine whether piglets have low body temperature:

• Check the activity status of the piglets: Piglets that appear tired and unwilling to move may be at risk of hypothermia.
• Observe drinking and eating behavior: loss of appetite and drinking less water may be signs of abnormal body temperature.
• Check the coat color and condition: Dry coat, dull coat color, or hair eating may be a sign of low body temperature.

The harm of low body temperature in young pigs

If young pigs continue to have low body temperatures, this can have a number of negative consequences for their health, including:

• Decreased immunity: Low body temperature can slow metabolism and suppress the function of the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of infection by pathogens.
• Slow growth: Low body temperature will affect the appetite and energy intake of young pigs, resulting in slower growth.
• Increased risk of mortality: In extreme cases, prolonged hypothermia can even lead to the death of young pigs.

How to deal with low body temperature in young pigs

Once the piglet's body temperature is found to be low, the following measures should be taken in time:

• Increase the ambient temperature: Keep the breeding environment warm and dry. The temperature around the piglets can be increased by heating lamps, heating pads, etc.
• Increase nutritional supply: Supplement appropriate nutrition, especially in cases of poor resistance, and provide high-nutrition, high-energy feed.
• Daily health monitoring: Regularly check the health status of piglets and maintain good hygiene and feeding management.
• Timely treatment: Once obvious symptoms of disease are found in piglets, veterinary diagnosis and treatment should be carried out promptly.

in conclusion

Infections such as diarrhea and fever, as well as deteriorating environments, can all lead to low body temperatures in piglets, causing a series of negative effects. Therefore, regular monitoring of piglet body temperatures and timely intervention are essential to ensure the healthy growth of piglets.

Thank you for reading this article! I hope that the above information can help you better judge and maintain the health of piglets and improve pig production efficiency.