When to use
- Before every farrowing — generate a fresh checklist with sow-specific risk factors
- Training new barn staff on farrowing preparation protocols
- Standardizing farrowing prep across multiple barns or employees
ToolsConductScience tool
SwineFree in-browser calculator
Farrowing Pen Prep Checklist.
Generate a risk-adjusted farrowing preparation checklist. Select sow-specific risk factors, preview the checklist, and download a printable PDF.
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Validated2026-04-08
CitableMethods and citation included
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Sow Information
Checklist Preview
20 items1
Clean and disinfect farrowing crate thoroughly
2
Check farrowing crate for sharp edges or broken parts
3
Install heat lamp or heat mat in piglet creep area
Target piglet zone: 86–90°F (30–32°C) for the first week, reduce 5°F per week
4
Test heat lamp / mat is functioning properly
5
Place clean, dry bedding in farrowing area
6
Stock iron dextran (150–200 mg IM per piglet)
7
Prepare ear tags / notching supplies
8
Have iodine ready for navel dipping
9
Stock clean towels for drying piglets
10
Prepare teeth clipping / grinding equipment
11
Have tail docking supplies ready (cautery or side-cutters)
12
Ensure colostrum supply or supplement is available
13
Move sow to farrowing crate 5–7 days before expected date
Expected farrow date: Not set
14
Ensure adequate water supply for sow (6+ gal/day lactation)
15
Begin lactation diet if not already transitioned
16
Record sow body condition score
17
Post farrowing due-date on crate card
18
Set up monitoring schedule (check every 2–4 hours near due date)
19
Have veterinary contact information posted
20
Prepare farrowing record sheet (born alive, stillborn, mummies)
Do not use for
- As a substitute for veterinary-specific farrowing protocols
- For species other than domestic swine
Don't skip drying time
After pressure washing and disinfecting, allow 24–48 hours of drying before placing the sow.
Heat lamp height matters
Position heat lamps 24–30 inches above the creep area floor. Use a thermometer at piglet level.
Test equipment early
Check heat lamps, water nipples, and crate mechanisms at least 48 hours before sow arrival.
1
Method
Checklist items are sourced from the National Pork Board Swine Care Handbook and Merck Veterinary Manual. Risk-specific items are conditionally included based on selected factors. All processing is client-side.
2
Validated
Last validated 2026-04-08. Calculations are designed for planning and documentation support; verify procurement decisions against manufacturer specifications or institutional SOPs.
3
How to cite
How to Cite
ConductScience Farrowing Pen Prep Checklist (v1.0). ConductScience, Inc. 2026. Available at: https://conductscience.com/tools/swine-farrowing-prep-checklist
National Pork Board. Swine Care Handbook. NPPC, 2021.
Farrowing Pen Preparation Standards
Proper farrowing pen preparation directly impacts piglet survival rates. Pre-weaning mortality in well-managed herds is 10–15%, but can exceed 25% in poorly prepared environments.
Critical environmental factors:
- Temperature: Piglet zone 86–90°F (30–32°C) vs. sow zone 60–65°F (16–18°C)
- Hygiene: All-in/all-out cleaning with pressure washing + disinfection between groups
- Flooring: Slip-resistant surface for sow, warm and dry bedding for piglets
- Space: Minimum 7.5 sq ft (0.7 ) creep area per litter
Colostrum Management
Colostrum intake in the first 6 hours of life is the single most important factor in piglet survival. Each piglet needs a minimum of 200 mL (ideally 250–300 mL).
Why colostrum matters:
- Provides immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) — piglets are born without circulating antibodies
- Supplies energy to prevent hypothermia
- Contains growth factors for intestinal maturation
- Gut closure occurs at ~24 hours — antibodies cannot be absorbed after this point
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