Abstract
Individual piglet birthweight is a major determinant of subsequent survival and weaning weight of the litter. Low birthweight piglets are more likely to die from starvation and thermoregulatory stress than their heavier littermates, while those that do survive grow more slowly and reach a lower mature body weight with a higher body fat to muscle ratio. Inadequately grown porcine fetuses are often characterised by assymetrical organ development although it is not clear when this difference in relative organ size arises and whether this is a consequence of changes in cell size or cell number. The objectives of this study were to assess a range of determinants of fetal growth at stages of gestation and to determine when changes in the relationship between fetal size and organ development occur.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
