Six critical phases in a piglet's life
In a piglet’s life, there are six critical phases that are connected to the virtuous LifeStart circle
of good health, high quality nutrition and effective farm management. Together, these lead to
a healthy and productive nursery phase.
1. Healthy sow for the best next litter
- Stimulate gradual feed intake during previous lactation to avoid extensive body weight loss and restore
body condition in early gestation
- Encourage sufficient water intake for smooth colostrum and milk production in the farrowing house
- Monitor the gestation period according to a fixed protocol for the best next litter*
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2. Follow the birth process closely
- Ensure strict hygiene in the farrowing house
- Provide the sow with sufficient, clean water
- Monitor the birth process according to a fixed protocol*
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3. Colostrum - the most important piglet feed
- Distribute the available colostrum evenly among all the piglets according to a fixed protocol*
- Support weak piglets by giving them an energy booster
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4. Optimal usages of sow milk
- Keep all the piglets with the mother sow, unless the number of piglets exceeds the number of
functional teats
- Cross-foster heavy piglets within 48 hours after birth, according to a fixed protocol*
- Create a foster sow when cross-fostering is not possible
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5. The best start with supplemental feed
- Feed piglets Milkiwean products as a supplement to sow milk to stimulate early feed intake,
improve digestion and support gut development
- Train piglets to eat according to a fixed protocol*
- Keep feeding troughs clean, which will encourage piglets to use them
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6. Easy weaning
- Maintain feed intake after weaning with the same Milkiwean feed that was given before weaning
according to a fixed protocol*
- Offer extra water in a round trough the first days after weaning
- Ensure good temperature and ventilation in the nursery house
- Keep stress factors to a minimum during and after weaning
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* For more information on the farm management protocols, please contact your local contact person.
