Abstract
Simple SummaryNeonatal piglet viability is decreasing in concert with the selection for ever-greater numbers of piglets born per sow per year. Their survival depends on the early intervention and management strategies used by production staff. This paper will review current and novel methods used to identify these piglets, some of the factors affecting their viability, and management strategies commonly used within production systems to improve their survival.Increased attention on the effects of the global push for a larger litter size has focused on the increased occurrence of piglets with decreased viability, which have lighter birthweights and a reduced ability to thrive in early life. To improve their odds of survival, interventions must be timely and targeted. This requires the early identification of low-viability pigs and appropriate strategies to manage them. Using novel measures such as abdominal circumference and crown to the rump length in conjunction with birth weight may provide an improved protocol for the identification of those at most risk of preweaning mortality. Further, identifying these at-risk piglets allows interventions to increase their colostrum intake and heat provisions shortly following birth. The appropriate management of the pre- and post-partum sows will improve the chances of decreasing the number of piglets born with lower viability. However, this outcome is constrained by limitations in resources such as technology and staffing. If these challenges can be overcome, it will allow for greater control and increased effectiveness in the implementation of current and new management strategies.
Highlights
Pork industries worldwide face loss of profit due to high piglet pre-weaning mortality (PWM), which can account for 10 to 20% of all live born piglets [1,2]
Evidence within the literature strongly suggests that increased litter size, largely due to genetic selection to increase the number of piglets born, is the major contributing factor for the Animals 2021, 11, 2902
Evidence within the literature strongly suggests that increased litter size, largely due to genetic selection to increase the number of piglets born, is the major contributing factor [fTg6orh–ree8at]htc.eoeTrnghotreicneccauuotaernlrrteiionnnccuccreaueloarirsfneelcnoricnweea-PsoveWfiailnMobwiPlii-WtnvydiMapicbiagiilntlieetdsytisccpauaitngrerdlseencttsuht raemrnecednotthnthmoseedeqsctuhoteoonndsitedslqyetuonientinidcftryeleynaatsniinefdycdrmaePnaaWdsneMamdgaPe[n6Wla–og8Mwe]. lvoiawbivliitaybpiliigtyletpsigarleetisnaardeeqinuaadteeq[9u]a. tTeh[e9a].imThseofatihmiss roefvitehwis arreevtioewideanretiftyohidowentthifeylihteorwatuthree lditeefirnateusrleowde-fviniaebsilliotywp-vigialbetilsitaynpditgoleetvs aalnudatteotehveamluaanteagtheme menatnsatgraetmegeinetssitmraptelegmieesnitmedplteomimepnrtoedvetoPiWmMpr.oAvevPaWrieMty
Summary
Pork industries worldwide face loss of profit due to high piglet pre-weaning mortality (PWM), which can account for 10 to 20% of all live born piglets [1,2]. Attempts to reduce PWM are ongoing through research and the formulation of new industry guidelines. The absence of universally agreed measures for piglet viability contributes to the inaccurate prediction of survival and subsequent PWM. This raises concerns for the accuracy of identifying factors contributing to low viability and the effectiveness of associated remedial management strategies. Evidence within the literature strongly suggests that increased litter size, largely due to genetic selection to increase the number of piglets born, is the major contributing factor for the Animals 2021, 11, 2902. Evidence within the literature strongly suggests that increased litter size, largely due to genetic selection to increase the number of piglets born, is the major contributing factor [fTg6orh–ree8at]htc.eoeTrnghotreicneccauuotaernlrrteiionnnccuccreaueloarirsfneelcnoricnweea-PsoveWfiailnMobwiPlii-WtnvydiMapicbiagiilntlieetdsytisccpauaitngrerdlseencttsuht raemrnecednotthnthmoseedeqsctuhoteoonndsitedslqyetuonientinidcftryeleynaatsniinefdycdrmaePnaaWdsneMamdgaPe[n6Wla–og8Mwe].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
