Abstract
Simple SummarySelection for hyperprolific sows has increased litter sizes and increased the number of small piglets per litter that require more management. Some of these small piglets have been exposed to intrauterine growth restriction, making them even more susceptible to a lower vitality and a higher mortality during the first few days. Administering an energy bolus at birth—such as glucose together with exposure to extra warmth—could be one way of increasing the growth and vitality of small, less viable piglets, ensuring piglet gain and survival. In addition, the results are relevant when in a relatively non-competitive environment—for example, placing them at a nurse sow suitable for rearing small piglets.Intrauterine growth-restricted piglets (IUGR) have a lower rectal temperature, whole-blood glucose, and lower glycogen storages at birth than normal piglets, giving them less energy to maintain body temperature and compete at the udder. The present paper investigated the effects of giving an energy supplementation three times after birth on rectal temperature, glucose levels, and growth until weaning in an on-farm trial. Eighty-eight newborn piglets were classified as IUGR (based on head morphology), placed under a heating lamp for one hour and allocated to one of four treatments—warmed water (WATER), glucose injection (GLUC), colostrum bolus (COLOS; porcine colostrum), and colostrum bolus and glucose injection (GLUC + COLOS)—before being placed at a nursing sow. Weight differences were found at day 21, with GLUC and GLUC + COLOS groups being the heaviest. Piglets in GLUC + COLOS had higher glucose levels at t = 3, 6, and 9 h compared to the other treatments (p = 0.027), but from t = 24 h and onwards, no difference was observed. For rectal temperature, no differences were observed. Collectively, these findings suggest that glucose injections at birth (i.e., as an energy source), one hour’s exposure to warmth and the placement of piglets with a nurse sow to reduce competition, enhance the growth of IUGR piglets.
Highlights
Genetic selection towards highly prolific sows has resulted in increased litter sizes, leading to a significantly lower mean birth weight and an increased percentage of small piglets born [1]
It has been estimated that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) piglets do not ingest sufficient amounts of colostrum [4], compared to the 200 g colostrum recommended per piglet over the first 24 h to ensure survival during the neonatal phase [13]
The results demonstrated that giving glucose injections or a colostrum that management interventions can prevent a substantial amount of IUGR piglets from dying
Summary
Genetic selection towards highly prolific sows has resulted in increased litter sizes, leading to a significantly lower mean birth weight and an increased percentage of small piglets born [1]. It has been estimated that IUGR piglets do not ingest sufficient amounts of colostrum [4], compared to the 200 g colostrum recommended per piglet over the first 24 h to ensure survival during the neonatal phase [13]. Administering both heat and a bolus of colostrum increased rectal temperature by 1 ◦ C one hour after birth in IUGR piglets, the effect disappeared after four hours [14], suggesting that an energy supplementation needs to be given frequently
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