EFFECTS OF UNIFORMITY OF LITTER 24H POST-FARROWING ON MORTALITY AND GROWTH OF THE PIGLETS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of litter uniformity (on piglet weight) at 24h post-farrowing on piglet survival and growth until 21d of lactation on a commercial genotype of intensive production. Twenty-four hours after farrowing piglets from 52 sows were selected in order to prepare uniform litters (HOM, n=26, CV=7.2±0.4%) and heterogeneous litters (HET, n=26, CV=22.9±0.5%) of 12 piglets each. The mortality rate between 24h and 21d was not different (7.69% HOM vs 8.97% HET, P=0.56). At 21d the mean weight of piglets was not different between litter type being 6.17±0.15kg in HOM and 6.13±0.16kg HET, (P=0.761). The results of this study showed that litter uniformity at 24h has no significant effects on piglet survival or growth until 21d of nursing period.