CATDOLL : CATDOLL: Weaning time, how do piglets gradually get rid of breastfeeding?

What is weaning

Weaning is the process of weaning piglets from their sow’s milk and switching to other food. Usually, weaning begins between the 2nd and 4th week after the piglets are born.

The importance of weaning

Weaning has an important impact on the growth, development and health of piglets. Through weaning, piglets can gradually adapt to solid food, absorb more nutrients, enhance immunity, promote intestinal function development, prevent digestive problems, etc. At the same time, weaning also helps to cultivate the ability of piglets to live independently, laying a foundation for future growth.

Weaning time

Weaning is usually done between the 2nd and 4th week after the piglets are born. Generally, the mammary glands of the sows begin to shrink, the milk supply decreases, and the piglets begin to show interest and demand for solid food. At this time, we can gradually start the weaning process.

Weaning process

The weaning process requires gradually guiding the piglets to switch to other foods. The following are some key steps in the weaning process:

• Introducing solid food: In the first few days of weaning, you can put some broken dry roughage or feed in the piglets' feed trough and let them taste it on their own. This will arouse their interest in solid food. Gradually increase the amount of solid food and reduce the supply of breast milk.
• Separating the sow: During the weaning process, the piglets can be gradually separated from the sow to prevent the piglets from meeting their nutritional needs by suckling breast milk.
• Provide water: During the weaning process, ensure that piglets always have plenty of clean drinking water.
• Observe health status: During the weaning process, closely observe the health status of the piglets, including weight gain, mental state, appetite, etc., and adjust the amount and quality of food supply in time.

Feeding after weaning

After weaning, piglets will mainly rely on solid food to meet their nutritional needs. You can choose special feeds suitable for the age and breed of piglets, and meet their nutritional needs by feeding them regularly and gradually increasing the amount of feed. At the same time, ensure that there is sufficient clean drinking water and maintain a clean and comfortable breeding environment, which is conducive to the growth and health of piglets.

Summarize

Weaning is an important growth stage for piglets. By gradually guiding piglets to switch to other foods, their growth and development can be promoted, their immunity can be enhanced, and their ability to live independently can be cultivated. Reasonable weaning time and process, as well as good feeding management, will lay the foundation for the healthy growth of piglets.