Nursery and Grow/Finish

INTRODUCTION
Lesson Introduction
The Nursery and Grow/Finish lesson explains the production
practices associated with these two phases of the production
cycle. This lesson addresses types of facilities, care and
handling, disease prevention, and environmental concerns.

Time Needed
Interest Approach:........................ 5 minutes
Content Delivery:........................20 minutes
Moving to the Nursery:..................5 minutes
Review Quiz:................................10 minutes

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Standards
NM-NS.9-12.6 As a
result of activities in grades
9-12, all students should
develop an understanding
of: personal and
community health;
population growth; natural
resources; environmental
quality; natural and
human-induced hazards;
and science and technology
in local, national, and
global challenges.

After completing this lesson, students will be able to:

1.

Identify the types of facilities and the environment necessary to maintain healthy
nursery pigs

2.

Determine the proper care and handling techniques for nursery pigs

3.

Identify the types of facilities and the environment needed to grow/finish pigs

4.

Determine the proper care and handling techniques for grow/finish pigs

MATERIALS:
1.

PowerPoint titled Nursery and Grow/Finish

2.

LCD projector or overhead projector (if needed, the PowerPoint slides can be used as
transparency masters)

3.

Enough copies of the quiz and activity sheets for every student in the class

VOCABULARY:
Combination feeding a feeding program that combines split-sex and
phase feeding programs
Phase feeding a feeding system that involves feeding piglets several
different feed rations depending on their size and nutritional needs
Recovery pen a separate pen that sick pigs can be isolated from the rest of the herd in
Split-sex feeding a feeding program where males and females are penned separately and
fed different rations
Vaccine a preparation containing an inactive disease agent that stimulates the pigs
immune system to begin making antibodies to fight off a possible future infection
Ventilation system used in Environmentally Controlled facilities to maintain proper
temperature and humidity
Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) a working relationship with a
veterinarian to maintain the health of the herd; a production facility establishes a VCPR
Weaning the process of making a young animal cease to depend on its mothers milk

INTEREST APPROACH:
Using your local newspaper or the Internet as a resource, create a list of quotes that help illustrate
the publics perceptions of pork production (choose quotes from a variety of topics such as animal
well-being and environmental issues). Next, ask the students what their perception of pork
production is and record these answers. Distribute the collected quotes to the class. Compare their
perceptions to the publics perceptions. Ask students what leads people to have these perceptions.
Throughout the lesson, leave the list on the board and address each with its correlating objective.

TEACHING CONTENT:
Objective 1: Identify the types of facilities and the environment needed to maintain healthy
nursery pigs.

The primary objective of the nursery phase of production is to optimize growth

performance during the first few weeks after weaning. Weaning is the process of moving
the piglet from the sow and a liquid diet, and placing it on a solid-food diet.
The nursery phase marks the beginning of piglets independence as they are transitioned
from their mothers milk to dry diets. It is a critical phase as many changes occur for
newly weaned piglets. Producers take special steps to help piglets transition through this
phase - which can be a stressful time for the animals.
Piglets weight 10-12 pounds and are usually about 3 weeks old when they are moved to
the nursery facility.

Some operations utilize a wean-to-finish technique where piglets are weaned directly
into the finisher building from farrowing. In these cases, extra care must be taken to
ensure nursery pigs have access to equipment such as feeders and waterers (that are
designed for much larger pigs) and that they are not being injured by having their small
feet/legs caught in the slots between floor slats.
Facilities
Facilities should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before new groups of
animals are brought in
Make sure that proper spacing, feeders, and watering equipment are in place
Spacing
o Pigs are grouped by size, sex, and/or age to reduce fighting and
competition for food and water
o Pens should be constructed in a rectangle or square shape,
allowing the pigs to separate their living area into feeding,
drinking, and dunging areas
Control the environmental temperatures
Environmental temperature control is essential
Temperatures must be constant in nursery facilities to optimize growing
conditions. As nursery pigs grow, temperatures in the nursery facility can
be decreased to match the pigs requirements
Producers should observe pigs behavior for signs of temperature
variations
o Cold pigs huddle together, to keep warm
A local heating source (i.e., heat lamps) can be placed in
the sleeping/resting area of the pen
o Warm pigs do not want to touch each other, so they spread far
apart. Cool them by doing the following:
Mist with water
Use stir fans to increase air movement
A ventilation system helps maintain proper temperature, humidity, and
air quality in the facility which helps:
o Reduce disease and temperature-related stress
o Maximize productivity

Possible Teaching Method: The activity titled Moving from Farrowing to Nursery can be
used in one of three ways to reinforce the content discussed. This activity can be found at the
end of this lesson plan. The three possible teaching methods are:
1. Use the activity sheet as a review at the end of the objective
2. Have the students complete the activity sheet as you teach the lesson
3. Pass out the sheet before the content has been taught. Have the students derive the
answers from the list by using resources such as the Pork Checkoffs website
(www.pork.org)

Objective 2: Determine the proper care and handling techniques for nursery pigs.

Feeding
Because newly weaned pigs are used to eating every hour, producers maintain an
ample supply of feed for the piglets
After weaned piglets are moved to the nursery they are known as weaner pigs or
nursery pigs
Pans or feeding mats may be used until the pigs learn to eat from the feeders
Throughout the nursery phase, producers optimize pig growth by implementing a
nutritional plan that involves multiple diets, or phases. Each phase is
coordinated with the animals growth and development
Watering
Pigs have constant access to an ample, clean water supply through the use of
nipple, bowl, or cup waterers in the nursery
Nipple waterers are placed at the shoulder height of the smallest pig and the
height is adjusted higher as they grow
Cup and bowl waterers are adjusted to provide easy access for the smallest pig
Handling nursery pigs
Due to their small size, tendency to squirm, and ability to move quickly, nursery
pigs can be hard to handle; therefore, precautions are needed to prevent injury.
It is in the producers best interest to prevent injury and ensure animal well-being

Possible Teaching Method: Divide the students into groups of three. Pass out one of three
different articles that related to handling (Article title: Handling and Management to
Prevent Stress in Show Pigs), dehydration (Article title: Dehydration: The Need for Water)
and swine well-being (Article Title: Swine Welfare) (These articles are located in the
resources folder of the curriculum). One person in each group should read their article and
briefly explain it to the other members. After the students explain their article, ask them
questions about feeding, water, and handling requirements for the nursery phase of
production. Once completed, reinforce using the PowerPoint.
Objective 3: Identify the types of facilities and the environment needed to grow/finish pigs.

Depending on the operation, once the pigs reach a certain size, they are moved to a fully
enclosed and environmentally controlled barn or to a hoop barn for finishing. In the
grow/finish phase of production, pigs have different space and nutritional requirements
than during the nursery phase
Environmentally-Controlled Finishing Barn
Pigs are supplied adequate space for growth and well-being. This reduces
competition for food and water while encouraging socialization
In order to maximize feed intake and growth rate, maintaining proper
temperature ranges. Pigs have lower temperature needs during the
grow/finish phase compared to the nursery phase

Ventilation systems, similar to what is used in a pig nursery, help to

control air temperature, humidity, and air quality. The purpose of
ventilation is to re-circulate air, bring in fresh air, remove excess
humidity, and remove air quality inhibitors
Hoop Buildings
Ventilation cant be controlled easily in this setting, this is a natural
system and is limited to opening or closing the end-wall curtains
For bedding, use corn stalks or other dry organic material that allows for
deep-bedding. Heat produced from the decomposition of the organic
matter helps to maintain temperatures within the hoop barn

Objective 4: Determine the proper feeding, handling, and care techniques of grow/finish
pigs.

Sort pigs by one of the following methods

Sex barrows and gilts grow at different rates. Sorting by sex also reduces
aggression and fighting among the herd
Weight pigs of similar weight will grow at a similar rate. Sorting also reduces
competition for feed
Health pigs with health conditions are sorted and penned separately so they
can be properly monitored
Feeding programs
Producers can choose from several types of feeding programs
Split-sex feeding males and females are housed in separate pens and fed
different diets to maximize feed conversion. This maximizes the animals
growth rate while lowering feed costs.
Phase feeding producers use phase feeding to meet the nutritional
requirements of pigs, changing as they age. Younger pigs need more
protein, while older pigs need more energy. During phase feeding, six to
ten phases could be used.
Combination feeding uses both split sex feeding and phase feeding to
maximum effect, optimize feed conversion rates, and help reduce
potential environmental impacts.
Observation
Producers conduct a daily walk-through in the facility. When this occurs,
producers get into the pens to:
Check feeders and waterers for correct functionality
Look for unusual behavior patterns
Acclimate the pigs to human interaction
Look for signs of illness or injury (i.e., diarrhea, heavy breathing, limping,
or limping)
Producers keep track and record information during their daily observation
routine. Information also is recorded when treating a sick or injured animal.
Analysis of records helps to:
Identify patterns and/or the need for management changes
Meet regulatory requirements for medication use

Possible Teaching Method: Write the following on the board, flipchart paper, or the
overhead
Scenario

Impact

Action

1.
2.
3.
After you teach the content, stop and supply the students with different scenarios related to
the lesson plan content such as, In a cost cutting measure, an operation closes one of its
buildings and moves the nursery pigs into the same facility as the finishing pigs. Next,
have the students discuss potential impacts and possible action steps to correct the potential
impacts.

MOVING FROM FARROWING TO NURSERY

Name: _______________________________
Directions
1.

Student Activity
You are the production manager for a pork operation and need to
move piglets from the farrowing facility to the nursery. Several important decisions need
to be made when moving piglets. Fill in the decision tree below by answering the
questions. Place your answer in the boxes provided.
Nursery
At what age are the piglets
typically moved to the nursery?

Facilities

Prior to Moving

What should be
done to the facility
before the pigs
move in?

Environment

Space

Ventilation

How should I sort the

pigs?

What is the purpose of

a ventilation system?

Temperature
How are temperatures
changed throughout
this stage?

How many pigs should

there be per pen?
What should be
done if the pigs
spread apart?

What should be
done if the pigs
huddle together?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Directions
Use the questions below to facilitate class discussions about the pork industry. These
questions will act as a review before the quiz is distributed. If you choose, you can
Class Activity
integrate the questions throughout the lesson to facilitate a class discussion as well.
1. Why is the nursery phase of production an important time in the life of a pig?
2. Why is a blanket treatment approach to pig health not in the best interest of the pigs?
3. Why is a blanket treatment approach to pig health not in the best interest of the

producer?
4. Why is a veterinary/client/patient relationship important to the consumer?
5. Aside from the record items discussed today, what other type of information would a

producer want to record? Why would he/she want this type of information?

Nursery Quiz
Name: _______________________________
Directions: Answer the following questions by choosing the best answer.
Matching:
1. _____ Weaning

A. A pen used to separate ill or injured

animals from the rest of the herd

2. _____ Ventilation System

B. Used in environmentally controlled

3. _____ Phase Feeding

facilities to maintain proper

temperature and humidity

4. _____ Combination Feeding

5. _____ Treatment and Recovery Pen

C. A feeding program where males and

females are penned separately and fed

different rations

6. _____ Split-Sex Feeding

_____Veterinary/Client/Patient
Relationship (VCPR)

7.

D. Obtained by working with a veterinarian

to maintain herd health

E. The process of making a young animal

cease to depend on its mothers milk

F. A system that involves feeding pigs

several different feed rations

G. A feeding program where rations are

formulated according to gender and

stage
True/False:
1. T

F Handlers should get into the pens during a daily walk-through

2. T

Feed intake and growth rates are maximized by maintaining proper

temperature ranges

3. T

One of the main advantages of hoop buildings is the ease of control of the
internal air temperature

Multiple Choice:
1. The primary objective of the nursery phase is to:
A. Acclimate weaned pigs to solid food
B. Optimize growth performance during the first weeks after weaning
C. Form social relationships with other pigs in the group
D. Increase the impacts of weaning
4. Piglets are typically moved to the nursery facility at about:
A. 2-4 lbs
B. 4-6 lbs
C. 10-12 lbs
D. 15-20 lbs.
5. Pigs are not typically sorted by:
A. Size
B. Age
C. Sex
D. Socialization
6. Ventilation helps control all but which of the following
A. Dust
B. Humidity
C. Temperature
D. All of the above are items that a ventilation system controls
7. In nursery production, the most common type of disease is
A. Respiratory
B. Nutritional
C. Blood borne
D. Genetic

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8. In a nursery facility, air temperature should:

A. Decrease as the pigs grow
B. Increase as the pigs grow
C. Remain the same throughout this stage of production
D. None of the above choices are correct
9. Facilities should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected :
A. Every four hours
B. Every six hours
C. Before new groups of animals are brought into the facility
D. When a pig is showing signs of illness
10. When pigs are hot, they will:
A. Huddle together
B. Pile on top of each other
C. Move away from each other
D. Move close to a heating source
11. Temperatures must be constant in nursery facilities to:
A. Prevent illness
B. Keep the animals calm
C. Maintain the effectiveness of the facilitys environmental controls
D. Optimize growing conditions
12. In a hoop building, one way producers help to control the air temperature is by
A. Using corn stalks as bedding
B. Using stir fans
C. Close the ends of the building
D. All the above are correct answers

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Quiz Answer Key

Matching:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

True/False
1.

True

2.

True

3.

False

Multiple Choice:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

12

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