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Sw MN | Pens will work but use very little bedding. They will want to build a nest and then some will continually work the nest while farrowing and will then bury the piglets in the nest and smoother them when they lay down. Build a raised rail around the inside of the pen so the sow cannot lay directly against the side will cut down on crushing. Providing a heated creep area will help keep the piglets away from the sow also. Some things will come down to economics, hard to spend $500 to save $100 worth of pigs. Will you be farrowing more after this or will this be a one time deal.
Also realize some sows are just intent on killing everything, destroying everything, etc. being there when they farrow can help, but it can also be a hindrance.
My Dad always said if you have a restless sow to get a bottle of whiskey and pour a little in the sows ear, he didn't know if it helped the sow much, but at least you had something to drink because it probally was going to be a long night either way.
Good luck but keep in mind that if you save 80-90% of the pigs born alive you will be doing good. | |
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farrowing question
