A good appetite in animals indicates their health. If a pig does not eat after farrowing, many are interested in what to do in such a situation. First of all, it is recommended to determine the causes of this violation. Provoking factors can be various diseases, helminthic infestations, or violation of animal care rules. Based on the results of the examination, the veterinarian will make recommendations for treatment.
Causes of decreased appetite after farrowing
During labor, animals lose a lot of strength and face serious stress.Normally, pigs develop an appetite 7-10 hours after farrowing. At the same time, they are given liquid food from a mixture of cereals. It is also permissible to use bran milk mash.
If after 12 hours the animal’s appetite does not return, it is worth looking for the reasons for the unusual behavior. A pig may lose its appetite in the following cases:
- development of pathologies;
- unsuitable food - it may be too cold, hot or tasteless;
- postpartum stress – observed in pigs that give birth for the first time.
It is recommended to distinguish between a decrease in appetite, which is considered normal for a weakened pig, and a complete refusal to eat. If a pig has a poor appetite, it should be given soft food that contains many vitamins. Within 2 weeks after birth, the animal should move to the normal level of feed consumption and even exceed it.
Feed aversion
If feeding is not organized correctly, there is a risk of indigestion. This occurs when using foods that are too hot or cold. The use of unchopped food can also be a provoking factor for problems. Similar disorders occur with a sudden change in diet. The intestines of piglets are particularly sensitive.
Violations in the diet often provoke poisoning and the appearance of diarrhea and constipation. There is also a risk of gastroenteritis. Any disturbances in digestive functions cause loss of appetite. It is worth considering that pigs do not always refuse food when developing diseases. Sometimes they just don't like the food the farmer provides. In such a situation, it is worth introducing more varied foods into the diet.
Avitaminosis
After farrowing, the animal may lose appetite due to vitamin deficiency. This condition is accompanied by a change in skin tone in piglets.They do not get enough elements from milk. As a result, there is a risk of pale or flaky skin. In the pig itself, a deficiency of vitamins A and D provokes weakness of muscle tissue and joints. She cannot get up or has difficulty getting up. In this case, the gait may be shaky and uncertain. To avoid such problems after farrowing, it is recommended that the animal receive vitamin injections or add premixes to the food for nursing females.
Improper maintenance and care
Pigs may lose their appetite due to improper housing conditions. To avoid such problems, it is recommended to monitor the room temperature. Significant deviations can cause negative consequences. To avoid this, it is recommended to monitor the following parameters:
- absence of drafts in the pigsty;
- suitable temperature settings;
- optimal humidity;
- air purity.
A significant violation of the temperature in the room makes pigs lethargic and provokes a deterioration in appetite. Acceptable humidity parameters are at the level of 50-70%. It is also recommended to monitor gas levels. When they increase, the condition of the animals worsens.
Stress
This animal can hardly tolerate stress and succumbs to it easily. The pig's body is characterized by high excitability. When relocating, it is difficult for an animal to adapt to new conditions. The causes of stress include the following:
- change in room temperature;
- excess animals in the pen;
- changing your usual diet;
- poor quality air in the pigsty - the cause of problems is the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide or ammonia in the room.
To prevent problems from arising, experts advise avoiding the effects of stress on animals.Under unfavorable circumstances, there is a risk of the pig dying. As for the diet, it is not recommended to introduce food abruptly. The pigs' diet should be changed gradually. To facilitate the adaptation of animals and avoid stress, it is recommended to add play materials to the pen - for example, bedding or ropes.
Disease
The development of pathologies is considered the most common cause of loss of appetite. Most diseases lead to poor appetite. The most common diseases include the following:
- infections – primarily of a viral nature;
- helminthic infestation;
- traumatic injuries;
- damage to the respiratory system;
- poisoning with low-quality food products.
It is worth considering that there are specific symptoms that help identify the disease. In this case, only the help of a veterinarian will help eliminate the pathology. To begin with, it is recommended to isolate the sick pig from the rest.
Treatment methods
To cure a sow, it is important for her to receive an accurate diagnosis. Infectious diseases are recommended to be treated with antibacterial drugs. For this purpose, Tylosin, Bicillin, Amoxicillin are used.
After a course of antibiotic therapy, it is worth using probiotics. They are required to normalize the microflora. For a minor cold, it is permissible to use folk recipes - decoctions of nettle, linden or chamomile.
How to make food attractive to pigs?
Sometimes pigs after farrowing lose their appetite due to tasteless food. This problem is common, but it can be solved. These animals love sweet, salty, sour and bitter foods. To make the feed more attractive to pigs, it is recommended to add salt, sugar, and mustard. It is also acceptable to use lactic acid.In this case, supplements should be alternated.
Many farmers prefer to add essential oils to their feed. These substances are attractive to many pigs. To increase the appetite of piglets from birth, after farrowing the pig, it is worth using food with essential oils. This will give the milk a pleasant aroma and increase the babies’ appetite. Other foods that pigs love include:
- boiled or steamed cereals;
- roasted grains;
- baker's yeast.
The method of yeasting feed is considered very effective. It can be used even if the animal does not eat or rise. After the introduction of such a diet, the condition of the animals improves. This result is achieved due to the presence of a sufficient amount of proteins, vitamins and amino acids in the feed.
The deterioration of a pig's appetite after farrowing may be due to a number of factors. To determine the reasons, you should consult a veterinarian. If dangerous diseases are identified, it is recommended to select effective therapy. In other situations, additional components will help increase the attractiveness of the food. Correction of care and minimizing the impact of stressful situations are of no small importance.
