Abstract
Simple SummaryIn the swine industry, sows are selectively bred for larger litters so, theoretically, more pigs can be sold per year. As producers continue to increase the number of piglets born in a litter, it is necessary to review problems that can arise in larger litters, and whether these issues can be effectively managed and/or require pharmacological intervention. Additionally, this review will reflect on whether selecting sows for larger litter sizes is an ethical concern, regardless of how effectively it can be managed. As sows continue to be selected for greater prolificacy, it is important to review problems that arise in larger litters, and whether these issues can be appropriately managed. Although a proportion of piglets in larger litters can be born underweight, proper supervision around farrowing and adequate colostrum intake has the potential to improve the survival of low-birth-weight piglets and their ongoing growth to weaning. As larger litters can impart greater stress and discomfort on sows, implementing a low-stress environment leading up to parturition may improve sow performance and subsequent survival of piglets. Additionally, treating sows with anti-inflammatory compounds, either dietary or pharmacologically, shows some promise for alleviating sow discomfort and improving piglet survival in larger litters. Understanding that selecting sows for larger litters not only affects piglet survival but the well-being of the sow, the decision to continue selecting for larger litters, regardless of management strategies, remains a topic of ethical concern.
Highlights
As advances in genetics [1,2,3], reproductive management [4], and nutrition [5,6] continue to increase the number of piglets a sow can produce per litter [7,8], it is important to consider the issues that are associated with larger litters, surrounding piglets and pre-weaning survival
The aim of this review is to identify factors that contribute to high piglet mortality in large litters, and by doing so suggest interventions that reduce the risk of piglet death
As colostrum production is not determined by litter size [42] and the fixed volume of colostrum provided by the sow must be shared amongst all piglets, there is a lesser chance of low-birth-weight piglets ingesting an adequate amount of colostrum [57] and they are likely to be outcompeted for teat access by larger littermates [31]
Summary
As advances in genetics [1,2,3], reproductive management [4], and nutrition [5,6] continue to increase the number of piglets a sow can produce per litter [7,8], it is important to consider the issues that are associated with larger litters, surrounding piglets and pre-weaning survival. Issues surrounding large litters include the effects of intrauterine crowding and so birth weight variation, piglet hypoxia during delivery and litter-mate competition post-partum. Potential management strategies for improving survival in large litters will be examined, including effective piglet fostering techniques, altering sow environments to reduce stress and the provision of anti-inflammatory compounds, both medicinal and dietary, to alleviate discomfort and improve performance. Litter size is defined as all piglets born in a litter, born dead and alive, that would have contributed to intrauterine crowding during development. The aim of this review is to identify factors that contribute to high piglet mortality in large litters, and by doing so suggest interventions that reduce the risk of piglet death
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