Faculty and Staff enjoyed a PA Preferred Appreciation Luncheon in honor of National FFA Week where we had a 'Piglet Shower' celebrating the birth of our newest CV eaglets.
Pigs in a Mud Chocolate Cake made by Jane Jackson
PA Preferred sheet cake made by Nancy Konhaus Griffie
Pig cookies idea by Kara Boehne, CVHS Media Specialist and Asst. FFA Advisor
However, we do have some sad news to share. The first three days of any piglets life are the most critical. Several things could happen. Malnutrition, anemia issues, being laid on or stepped on by the mother, etc... Most of which would result in death. That said, being born on Thursday evening means the most fragile time period would be over by Monday, Feb. 25.
This afternoon, we lost one of the little boys (boars). After an afternoon of struggling to hang on, his brief time in the world came to an end. His body had some bruises on it (one of his lower back and a larger patch on his abdomen). Although this is not an official veterinary diagnosis, one would assume that Peaches accidentally stepped on him, which resulted in internal bleeding - ultimately leading to his death. So, that leads us to another topic - that many people often question and do not fully understand why they exist: Gestation and Farrowing Crates.
Purpose: Farrowing crates have been designed to reduce the number of pigs which are accidentally laid or stepped on by the sow.
Why didn't we use one at CVHS?: Simple answer - too many people. Too many questions.
Needless to say - we now have 7 girls (gilts) and 6 boys (boars). All healthy, nursing, and full of energy! One more day and we should be in the clear! Keep viewing their progress through the live streaming webcam.
No comments:
Post a Comment