Lunar Influence on Post-Castration Performance of Baby Piglets

Abstract

Three farrowing studies were conducted at Tarleton State University focusing on post-castration performance of piglets. In all studies, half of the boar piglets were castrated with lunar influence when the Farmer’s Almanac recommended and the remaining half when castration was not suggested. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in growth in the days following castration up to weaning in all three studies (n = 115). The results for 30-day nursery gains were inconclusive. There was a difference in the 30 days of nursery growth (P < 0.05) favoring castration against the Farmer’s Almanac recommendations in the first study, while Study 2 favored castration with lunar influence during the 30 days of nursery growth (P < 0.05). There was no difference in treatments in Study 3. Piglets castrated with lunar influence maintained a body temperature more close to the ideal level in the first two studies while there was no difference in Study 3. Study 1 found no difference in healing score while Studies 2 and 3 favored castration with lunar influence.