Practical study proves: heavier piglets, easier rearing.

High birth weights of piglets are the foundation for successful rearing. A practical study reveals the factors at play and how the weights have evolved in recent years.

It has long been known that the birth weight of piglets influences their weight development during the suckling period and weaning weight. The general recommendation is to produce robust and healthy piglets with a high birth weight. These piglets are more resilient and achieve better weight gains than underweight littermates. However, in very large litters with over 16 piglets, birth weight tends to decrease. The question now arises as to what extent birth weight is actually negatively affected with increasing litter size and what other factors come into play.

To answer this question, a sow farm with several sow genotypes was closely examined, and the birth weight of piglets was analyzed over an extended period. On average, out of about 35,000 piglets, the birth weight was 1.44 kg, ranging from 220 g to 2.85 kg. The weaning weight averaged at 7.20 kg. At weaning, the lightest piglet weighed 1.33 kg, while the heaviest weighed 13.48 kg. In this farm as well, litter sizes have increased in recent years. The total number of piglets born per litter rose from nearly 16 in 2017 to around 18 today. To learn about the impact of these higher litter sizes on piglet birth weights and how farmers can actively influence them, refer to the digital edition of agrarheute Schwein.

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