Variability of birth weight and growth of piglets in highly prolific sows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the variability of birth weight and growth of piglets in hyper prolific sow line. Data collected from 25 litters from Pen Ar Lan Naima sow line were used to evaluate the variability of piglets' birth weight and its consequences on subsequent growth performances. All piglets were individually weighted five times from the birth until the end of nursery period. Pre- weaning mortality was the highest in piglets with birth weight less than 1, 000 g. The difference in the final live weight at the end of nursery period between the lightest and heaviest piglets was more than 10 kg. Birth weight of piglets had a significant influence on pre-weaning mortality and subsequent growth performances. In large litters produced by highly prolific sows, the variability of birth weight of piglets together with an increased number of lighter piglets become a new challenge for pig producers.