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Early detection of problems is a fundamental element in correcting them promptly. We all know that the sooner problems are identified, the easier and faster it is to find a solution and prevent them from worsening. Looking and seeing are different things... and it is something that all of us who work with animals must learn to do.
We want to present you with examples of very common situations where good observation of the animals will help us identify problems and find a solution quickly.
Problems are often multifactorial and we should always start with the basics.
- Environment
- Water
- Food
- Pain
- Illness
We will start with the nursery, a critical time in the animal's life.
Nursery
Do we know the first signs that an animal is not feeling well?
1) Piglets struggeling after weaning
Weaning is one of the most stressful times in a pig's life. Each animal's adaptation to the new situation will depend on multiple factors. It is essential to be able to identify which animals are struggling to start eating and drinking in order to find a quick solution. No medication can replace a lack of food and water intake!
Want a hint? Look at the animal's flanks, hair, and its posture. Do you think they have full bellies?
What should you observe? Piglets that do not start eating start to lose body condition. We will see more bristly hair and sunken flanks, and they are less active. Shortly after weaning, it is typical to see “air chewing” in piglets that are not eating. The piglet that is chewing air already shows less vitality, sunken flanks, and a hunched posture.
Want a hint? A healthy animal avoids being stepped on
What should you observe? The piglet in the middle is at the onset of a health problem, in this case, meningitis. It does not react when others step on it and its head is slightly tilted.
Want a hint? The animal is lying laterally and has eye movements. It is unable to stand upright and normally. Many of those animals show some pedaling.
What should you observe? This piglet presents spasmodic lateral eye movements, known as nystagmus. This is a frequent symptom of meningitis.
Want a hint? How many animals are waiting at the feeder?
What should you observe? Animals at this stage should be eating feed ad libitum. We observe several animals anxiously waiting to eat and sticking their snouts all the way in, which can cause injuries. This may be a one-time occurrence, but check to make sure the feeder isn't clogged or empty (or hasn't been empty for hours). Make sure the feeder space is sufficient for the number of animals.
Want a hint? A piglet is trying to suckle from a pen mate.
What should you observe? We see a much smaller piglet trying to suckle from several pen mates. This type of behavior is typical of piglets that have been weaned too early.
