Welcoming Wean Pigs, Article by Megan Watts from Pipestone

Preparing for the arrival of new wean pigs to your barn is an exciting but important process that requires careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to ensure everything is ready:

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Communication

• Confirm Arrival Details: Coordinate with the sow farm to confirm the arrival date and the number of pigs expected.
• Vaccination and Medication: Consult with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination and medication protocol. Ensure all necessary supplies are on hand.
• Team Coordination: Communicate with your team to ensure everyone is aware of the arrival schedule and their responsibilities. Verify that the barn is prepared and in good working condition.

Cleaning & Disinfection

• Barn Preparation: Clean and disinfect the barn thoroughly at least 48 hours before the pigs arrive. This helps create a clean and safe environment for the new arrivals.
• Equipment Maintenance: Wash and disinfect all equipment that will come into contact with the pigs, such as coveralls, boots, and syringes. Ensure they are ready for immediate use.

Barn and Equipment Inspection

• Environmental Control: Check and calibrate the barn’s environmental control system, including controllers, fans, inlets, heaters, and temperature probes.
• Facility Condition: Inspect curtains, generators (if applicable), gating, flooring, and feed/water equipment for any damage or malfunctions. Repair or replace as needed to ensure everything is operational.

Post-Arrival Preparation
Once the pigs arrive, focus on the following:

• Acclimation: Allow the pigs time to settle into their new environment.
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor pig health and behavior, adjust environmental settings as necessary.
• Consultation and Support: Utilize the expertise of FarmPro production consultants, if available, for advice on ventilation setup, pig management, and market preparation.

Following these steps and leveraging expert advice as needed, you can ensure a smooth transition and optimal conditions for your new wean pigs. This approach not only promotes their health and well-being but also supports successful and efficient pig production on your farm.

Article by Megan Watts

Megan Watts grew up in Stillwater, MN, with a strong involvement in her local FFA chapter and 4-H. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, and joined PIPESTONE in 2018 and now serves producers as a Production Consultant with FarmPro.