Things to note when restocking livestock at the end of the year.

Vaccinate pigs against disease.

To ensure food supply for the market, especially during the year-end and the 2025 Lunar New Year, livestock farms are currently focusing on restocking. However, given the unpredictable weather and disease outbreaks, farmers need to pay attention to the following four key factors:

1. Prepare the animal enclosures.

Immediately after selling all livestock, farmers need to collect and dispose of all manure and waste, thoroughly clean and dry the entire livestock pens, spray disinfectant, and apply lime wash to all walls, floors, and walkways. They should also repair and reinforce the roofs and coverings of the pens, especially those damaged by Typhoon No. 3.

After cleaning the livestock pens, farmers should leave them empty for at least 15 days. During this time, they should spray disinfectant 2-3 times, thoroughly wash all livestock equipment, soak it in disinfectant solution, and dry it.

Organize the clearing of drainage ditches and the removal of bushes around the farm and livestock pens to reduce flies, mosquitoes, and other disease-carrying animals. Clean the grazing areas, especially low-lying areas flooded by storms, remove manure and waste, and spread lime to kill pathogens. Do not share livestock equipment between different rows of pens.

2. Animal breed

The breeding stock is imported from reputable breeding facilities with breeding facility certificates. When transporting the breeding stock to the farm, it must have a quarantine certificate issued by the competent authority and must be fully vaccinated according to regulations.

After being imported, the chicks must be moved to a quarantine area for 21 days for monitoring. Only if they show no symptoms of infectious disease should they be introduced into the flock. Note that farmers should avoid buying scrawny, ruffled chicks. Especially if choosing chicks for commercial egg production, farmers should select chicks that are neither too underweight nor too overweight; ideally, they should weigh between 1.6 and 1.7 kg at 20 weeks old.

For pigs, avoid importing those with rough skin and thick hair, as they will grow slowly. If selecting breeding pigs, do not choose those that are stunted or have defects such as crooked legs, navel problems, or defects in the mouth or nose.

3. Care

During this period, strengthening the animals' resistance is essential. It's crucial to ensure a sufficient supply of clean, nutritious, easily digestible feed suitable for each stage of the animal's development. For piglets learning to eat and chicks in the brooding stage, it's best to use complete mixed feed to ensure adequate nutrition. Supplementing the drinking water with electrolytes, vitamins, glucose, and B-complex vitamins will also enhance their immunity.

Absolutely do not consume spoiled, moldy food, leftover food from previous batches, or leftover food from restaurants. Drinking water must be hygienic and should not be sourced from rivers or streams.

4. Disease prevention

In livestock farming, disease prevention is crucial. It's one of the key factors determining the economic efficiency of farmers and the food safety of consumers. Therefore, farmers need to strictly adhere to vaccination schedules and stockpile preventative medications for their livestock; regularly monitor weather conditions, disease outbreaks, and market trends to proactively manage their family's livestock production. They should also proactively report their livestock activities to local authorities and veterinary officers for advice and support when needed.

NGUYEN MINH DUC, Provincial Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/luu-y-khi-tai-dan-vat-nuoi-dip-cuoi-nam-396952.html