Advanced farrowing management (outdoor)

Our Stockperson Plus training programme consists of problem-solving workshops designed to build on existing pig husbandry knowledge. The course naturally follows on from the Stockperson Development Scheme (SDS) to further develop the technical skills of pig unit staff.

The training is suitable for stockpeople who:

• Have significant previous experience, or
• Have completed the Stockperson Development Scheme, or
• Want to progress to become a supervisor or manager

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Better prepare the farrowing accommodation and appropriately distribute sows and gilts in the farrowing paddocks
• Approach bed management with a greater depth of understanding e.g. the use of the different nesting materials and how they help with the farrowing process, positioning of huts and the disciplined daily routine of bed preparation according to the time of year
• Adapt the feeding schedule to reflect sow and gilt body condition score (BCS) and maintain intake during the suckling period
• Understand and explain the importance of water intake and water quality for improving appetite and milk production
• Identify and understand metritis, mastitis and agalactia (MMA) as well as what changes to the dung can indicate
• Improve management of the small pig during the suckling period and understand the options for creep feeding outdoors
• Manage farrowing through periods of extreme temperatures, avoiding drops in feed intake and weaning weights
• Identify and mange lactational oestrus and understand the reasons behind it
• Implement practices to control vermin and other pests and maintain fence management in the outdoor paddocks

Booking details

Cost: £40+VAT

To register, please complete and return this application form

A maximum of four people per business can attend the training. If you would like to book more places than this, or have any other queries, please get in touch.

E: pork.training@ahdb.org.uk 

T: 01904 771218

The training will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. This reduces the time participants need to take out of the business, reduces any biosecurity risk and provides an opportunity for more people to take part in the training.

Find out more about the Stockperson Plus training.