What is the current significance of low birthweight pigs on commercial farms in Northern Ireland in terms of impaired growth and mortality?

ABSTRACT: There is little modern data addressing the differential lifetime growth of commercially reared low and average birthweight pigs born into large litters (>14 piglets). As such, the main aim of this study was to quantify the lifetime growth and mortality rate of low and average birthweight pigs on commercial farms in Northern Ireland. It was also aimed to analyze the level, stage and cause of mortality within each birthweight category. A total of 328 low birthweight (low BW; <1 kg) and 292 average birthweight (Av BW; 1.3 to 1.7 kg) pigs were individually identified across four commercial farms and one research farm. Animal growth and mortality were monitored on an individual basis from birth until slaughter age. Av BW pigs were heavier than low BW pigs throughout the trial (P < 0.001)

SUBMITTER: Hawe SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7485618 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature