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Impact of Sow Feeding on Pig Birth Weights
2014-02-27 19:04:00| National Hog Farmer
By Laura Greiner The average number of pigs born per sow has increased steadily over the years. As sows continue to increase the total born, the total litter weight rises however, not at the same proportion as the number of pigs born. Therefore, the average birth weight has a tendency to be lowered with larger litters. Data demonstrate that lower birth weight pigs have a higher chance of piglet pre-weaning mortality. Lower birth weight pigs are also delayed when it comes to days needed to reach market weight. In response to the concern of birth weights, nutritionists and reproduction specialists have been investigating ways to improve birth weights through sow feeding programs. read more
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Category:Agriculture and Forestry