Spring 2025 www.pigchamp.com 37 Birth Weight Past studies have consistently demonstrated that piglets born with low birth weights have a significantly lower chance of surviving lactation compared to their heavier counterparts. Smaller piglets may lack the physical capacity to effectively suckle or face increased competition for nursing. Interestingly, unlike piglet vitality, nutritional interventions have not proven consistently effective in increasing piglet birth weights. However, genetic advancements offer a potential solution. Over the past decade, US geneticists have actively worked to improve piglet birth weight through maternal genetics. Furthermore, the choice of terminal sire can influence both piglet birth weight and survival. Therefore, when selecting terminal sire lines, it’s important to consider their impact on piglet survival and piglet quality at the commercial level. Colostrum Yield While adequate colostrum intake is fundamental for piglet survival, not all litters consume a sufficient amount to maximize their chances. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between average piglet colostrum intake and piglet survival. As litter sizes increase, sows do not magically produce more colostrum. Therefore, strategies to enhance both sow colostrum production and piglet consumption are essential. Perhaps the most impactful strategy to increase sow colostrum output is to maximize the number of functional teats. Recent data from our lab indicates that each additional functional teat can increase litter colostrum consumption by an average of 323 grams. Nevertheless, more research is needed to explore nutritional interventions that can enhance both the quantity and quality of sow colostrum. Milk Yield Similar to colostrum intake, a sufficient level of sow milk production is vital for ensuring piglet survival. Moreover, sow milk yield, in conjunction with piglet birth weight and colostrum consumption, are the primary determinants of piglet weaning weight. Fortunately, several effective strategies exist to enhance sow milk production. Both litter weaning weight and litter growth rate are heritable traits, making genetic selection a viable long-term approach to improve sow milk yield. Examples of substandard teats in lactation. Substandard teats are teats that may produce no milk or not enough milk to support a growing piglet. Substandard teats can be identified early in a replacement gilt’s life. Curvilinear relationship between average piglet colostrum intake and piglet survival (litter size at weaning of the biological sow ÷ total number born) for 295 Landrace × Large White composite sows. The average piglet colostrum intake was 467 grams. Figure 3 Figure 2
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