Careful farrowing management is the foundation for lifelong performance and health

Successful piglet rearing is based on a virtuous circle of good health, high quality nutrition and effective farrowing management.

LifeStart proactively and positively influences all three of these components during the critical five phases in a piglet’s early life from birth through to weaning, leading to a healthy and productive nursery phase.  

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
  

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

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

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

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
  

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