Effects of timing of grouping and split-weaning on growth performance and behaviour of piglets in a multi-suckling system

Tang, Tianyue; Gerrits, W.J.J.; Soede, N.M.; Peet–Schwering, C.M.C. van der; Reimert, Inonge

doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105835

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…They hypothesized that the implementation of co-mingling of suckling piglets closer to weaning would have more benefits on pre-weaning performance and behavior since fewer suckling disruptions would occur. Unfortunately, few studies were designed to study the effect of time of co-mingling on aggression, stress, the occurrence of estrus during lactation, weaning-to-estrous intervals, sow performance, nursing-suckling interaction or piglet performance [84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92]. Yet, in practice, other considerations, such as vaccination schemes, disease prevalence, data collection from breeding sows and the provision of creep feed, may encourage later starting dates.…”

Section: Different Settings For Co-mingling Of Piglets Before Weaningmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review

Kerschaver

Turpin

Michiels

et al. 2023

Animals

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The weaning of pigs in most commercial pork production systems is an abrupt event performed at a fairly young age, i.e., mostly between 2.5 and 5 weeks of age. This practice induces a stress response, and its impact on behavior, performance and the gastrointestinal tract has been well described. Historically, there has been a focus on pre- and post-weaning nutritional strategies and post-weaning housing conditions and medication to improve production and reduce mortality after weaning. However, alternative pre-weaning housing and management systems that promote the development of natural social behaviors of piglets before weaning have recently received more attention. Co-mingling of non-littermates before weaning is a strategy that aims to initiate social interactions prior to weaning. The separation of the litter from the sow in the period leading up to weaning, termed intermittent suckling, aims to enhance the gradual separation from the sow. In addition, these practices encourage the young pig to learn explorative nutrient sourcing. Altogether, they may reduce weaning-associated stress. In this review, these strategies are defined, and their effects on behavior, performance, mortality, gastrointestinal function and immunocompetence are described. Though these strategies may be adapted to a commercial setting, it also becomes clear that many factors can contribute to the success of these strategies.

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Section: Different Settings For Co-mingling Of Piglets Before Weaningmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review

Kerschaver

Turpin

Michiels

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…Data were utilized and re-analysed from two experiments which were conducted in an MS system, i.e., exp 1 [13] and exp 2 [23], at Swine Innovation Center, Sterksel, The Netherlands.…”

Section: Animals and Experimental Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Birthweight of Piglets in a Multi-Suckling System on Mortality, Growth Rate, Catch-Up Growth, Feed Intake and Behaviour

Tang

Gerrits

Peet–Schwering

et al. 2023

Animals

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Multi-suckling systems aim to improve animal welfare, but in these systems, a large variation is seen in piglet growth rate. Birthweight (BiW) plays an important role in explaining the variation in body weight (BW) gain of piglets. This study aims to investigate the relationships between BiW and piglet traits up to day 44 postpartum (p.p.). A total of 55 sows were used. The growth rate and mortality were assessed for all piglets. Feed and milk intake, behaviours, and skin lesions were assessed in four focal piglets per litter. Focal piglets were divided into four groups based on their BiW class (high BiW (HBiW) vs. low BiW (LBiW)) and growth rate class (fast vs. slow). Results showed that increased mortality was observed in piglets with a BiW below 1.1 kg. Birthweight was positively related with the number of sucklings (β = 2.8 no./kg of BiW per 7.5 h), corresponding to milk intake (β = 102 g/kg of BiW per day), and to a lesser extent, to the intake of sow feed (β = 44 g/kg of BiW per day) in week 6. Birthweight was positively related with the number of skin lesions (β = 4.3 no./kg of BiW) in week 4. We found no indications that fast-growing LBiW piglets differed from fast-growing HBiW piglets, however, fast-growing piglets of both HBiW and LBiW tended to eat more feed (485 ± 18 vs. 420 ± 17 g/day, p = 0.068), were present less often at teats of alien sows (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.8 ± 0.3, p = 0.010), and had more skin lesions (9.0 ± 0.6 vs. 7.4 ± 0.4, p = 0.047), compared to slow growing piglets. Our study, thus, provides little insight into the traits that affect catchup growth in a multi-suckling environment but increases insight into the differences between fast-growing and slow-growing piglets, regardless of their birthweight class.

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The impact of parity, litter size and birth weight variations within a litter on piglet pre-weaning performance

Buthelezi,

Mtileni,

Nephawe

et al. 2024

Czech J. Anim. Sci.

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Sows are selected for their prolificacy. Therefore, assessing difficulties that can be associated with large litters is crucial. This review aims to highlight the factors that can affect reproductive performance such as breed, parity, litter size, environment, and nutrition. Understanding these factors can help producers make informed decisions about sow management and other aspects. Higher within-litter variation is the result of a high number of piglets born. It has been determined that large litter sizes pose a risk to animal welfare in the pig industry. Moreover, large litters bring more piglets with low birth weight leading to high pre-weaning losses. Lighter littermates struggle to get enough colostrum due to the competition with heavy littermates, which lowers their chances of survival causing high mortality. Larger litters may cause greater stress and discomfort of the sow. Therefore, applying stress-free environment and treating the sow with anti-inflammatory compounds may enhance the sow performance and consequent survival of piglets. The litter size is positively correlated with the variation in birth weight within a litter, while the average weight at birth is negatively related to litter size. Producers should therefore focus on potential management strategies that can improve piglet performance, survival and welfare such as proper supervision and adequate colostrum intake. This review highlights the historical development of the pig industry and literature on the variation in piglet weight at birth within a litter, factors influencing weight at birth, and the potential effects on the piglet performance before weaning. Also, the difficulties amongst large litters and possible strategies for managing survival in large litters were also reviewed.

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Effects of timing of grouping and split-weaning on growth performance and behaviour of piglets in a multi-suckling system

Cited by 3 publications

References 30 publications

Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review

Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review

Effects of Birthweight of Piglets in a Multi-Suckling System on Mortality, Growth Rate, Catch-Up Growth, Feed Intake and Behaviour

The impact of parity, litter size and birth weight variations within a litter on piglet pre-weaning performance

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