Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates

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KellyKidShowPigs
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Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates

Post by KellyKidShowPigs » Fri Dec 23, 2016 3:20 pm

Getting ready to start farrowing next week and want to know shavings or straw for the bedding?
We are using crates, but I've been told that the shavings are bad for the piglets.
Thoughts Please.

Norm
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Re: Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates

Post by Norm » Sat Dec 24, 2016 6:33 am

Do the crates have floors or are they used in a pen? Both choices have drawbacks. Heat lamp over bare concrete area or a woven floor is usually sufficient.

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swi
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Re: Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates

Post by swi » Sat Dec 24, 2016 9:42 pm

Some types of wood shavings have an anti-coagulant agent that can make umbilical cords bleed excessively.

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Darin
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Re: Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates

Post by Darin » Mon Dec 26, 2016 11:56 am

Use whichever is most convenient. Doesn't make a lot of difference. Don't forget the DRYGIENE though!

http://www.cerdosllc.com/drygiene/
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KellyKidShowPigs
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Re: Shavings or Straw in Farrowing Crates

Post by KellyKidShowPigs » Tue Dec 27, 2016 7:13 am

Norm wrote:Do the crates have floors or are they used in a pen? Both choices have drawbacks. Heat lamp over bare concrete area or a woven floor is usually sufficient.
We have our crates bolted to concrete in our farrowing area. We are going to try to farrow the old fashion way this summer with out crates.

We are using thick black rubber mats, and straw with heat lamps for warmth. We have the ability to maintain around 45-50 degrees in our barn with out heat

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