Best Practices in Fish Harvesting, Dairy Calf Training, and Sow Management Before and After Farrowing

Questions

1. Explain seven management practices carried out to ensure maximum harvest of fish.
2. Explain the procedure of training a dairy calf to feed from the bucket in artificial feeding.
3. Discuss the management of the sow three days before farrowing and after.

Answers

1. Management Practices for Maximum Fish Harvest:
   • Control of stocking rate to prevent overcrowding.
   • Harvest at the correct maturity stage to ensure optimal size and quality.
   • Avoid water pollution in the ponds which may poison fish.
   • Ensure an adequate supply of food in the pond for healthy growth.
   • Keep water in the pond in motion to facilitate aeration.
   • Maintain appropriate depth (level) of water for fish comfort.
   • Control predators and thieves to protect the fish stock.
   • Drain and refill the pond with fresh water as necessary to maintain water quality.
2. Procedure for Training a Dairy Calf to Feed from a Bucket:
   • Measure out the appropriate amount of milk and pour it into a clean bucket.
   • Insert your index finger into the mouth of the calf to encourage sucking.
   • Gradually lower the calf’s head into the bucket until it begins to drink the milk.
   • Slowly withdraw your finger while the calf continues drinking from the bucket.
   • Repeat the process until the calf learns to drink independently from the bucket.
3. Management of the Sow Three Days Before and After Farrowing:
   • Prepare the farrowing quarters one week prior to the expected farrowing date.
   • Clean and disinfect the farrowing pen, providing warm bedding for the sow.
   • Introduce a farrowing crate to ensure the safety of the piglets during farrowing.
   • Place the sow in the farrowing crate one week before farrowing to acclimate her.
   • Implement a high-energy feeding program for the sow leading up to farrowing.
   • Maintain this feeding regimen for the three days before farrowing.
   • Wash the sow using soap and a 10% colane solution to eliminate external parasites.
   • Reduce the sow and weaner meal to 1.5 kg two days before farrowing, replacing the reduced amount with bran; this should continue for 2-3 days after farrowing.
   • Ensure plenty of clean water is available for the sow.
   • Withhold food on the day of farrowing.
   • Monitor piglets to ensure they are breathing; perform artificial respiration if necessary.
   • Keep piglets in a warm environment post-birth.
   • Remove any dead or stillborn piglets and afterbirth to prevent infection and discourage the sow from eating them.
   • Disinfect the umbilical cord of the piglets with iodine to reduce infection risk.

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