Hygienic Floor Management Using Hot Water: A Strategy to Reduce Piglet Mortality in Northeastern India
Phanidhar Mili
Department of Livestock Production and Management, C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Adib Haque
Department of Livestock Production and Management, C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Jogiraj Bora
Department of Livestock Production and Management, C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Ritam Hazarika *
Department of Animal Biotechnology, C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Debarun Borah
Department of Animal Biotechnology, C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Hrangchung Phunchu Bappu
Department of A.R.G.O., C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Rofique Ahmed
Department of Veterinary Medicine, C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Derhasar Brahma
Department of Microbiology, C.V.Sc., AAU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Monuj Kumar Doley
KVK, Diphu, Assam Agricultural University, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Pig farming is crucial for the agricultural economy in Northeastern India; yet high piglet mortality remains a significant issue. This study investigates the impact of hot water treatment on floor hygiene in farrowing pens to address this challenge.
Methods: Thirty-six Hampshire piglets were divided into two groups: a control group with untreated floors and a treatment group with floors cleaned biweekly with hot water at 70°C. Growth performance, feed intake, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), incidence of diarrhea, and mortality rates were assessed.
Results: Results indicated that piglets on hot water-treated floors exhibited slightly higher body weight gains and improved FCR compared to the control group. Diarrhea incidence was lower in the treatment group, which also had no mortality, while the control group experienced an 11.1% mortality rate.
Conclusion: The study concludes that hot water treatment effectively enhances piglet health and growth, suggesting its potential as a valuable management practice in pig farming. Further research with varied treatment frequencies is recommended.
Keywords: Piglet mortality, hot water treatment, floor hygiene, feed conversion ratio, diarrhea incidence, growth performance