Purpose of Guard Rails in Farrowing Pen
Farrowing pen with guard rails is necessary to:
- Avoid crushing of piglets — Correct Answer
- Control parasites
- Avoid crowding
- Avoid disease outbreak
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Avoid crushing of piglets
Farrowing pens with guard rails are specifically designed to avoid crushing of piglets by the sow. Guard rails are horizontal bars fixed around the inside walls of the pen at a height of about 20-25 cm, creating a safe space where piglets can escape when the sow lies down.
Why This Is Important
Crushing by the mother is the leading cause of newborn pig mortality. The sow weighs several hundred kilograms and can easily kill a piglet weighing just 1-2 kg by lying on it.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Control parasites: Guard rails have no role in parasite control.
- Avoid crowding: Guard rails don't address overcrowding; proper stocking density does.
- Avoid disease outbreak: Disease prevention requires biosecurity measures, not guard rails.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Livestock Production and Management. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
