Hygienic Floor Management Using Hot Water: A Strategy to Reduce Piglet Mortality in Northeastern India

Background: Pig farming is crucial for the agricultural economy in Northeastern India; yet high piglet mortality remains a significant issue. This study investigates the impact of hot water treatment on floor hygiene in farrowing pens to address this challenge. Methods: Thirty-six Hampshire piglets were divided into two groups: a control group with untreated floors and a treatment group with floors cleaned biweekly with hot water at 70°C. Growth performance, feed intake, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), incidence of diarrhea, and mortality rates were assessed. Results: Results indicated that piglets on hot water-treated floors exhibited slightly higher body weight gains and improved FCR compared to the control group. Diarrhea incidence was lower in the treatment group, which also had no mortality, while the control group experienced an 11.1% mortality rate. Conclusion: The study concludes that hot water treatment effectively enhances piglet health and growth, suggesting its potential as a valuable management practice in pig farming. Further research with varied treatment frequencies is recommended.