Pig characteristics associated with mortality and light exit weight for the nursery phase

One thousand and ten weaned pigs that were reared in 1 nursery in Iowa from weaning (17 +/- 2 days ) until 10 weeks of age were evaluated. A weaning weight threshold of 3.6 kg maximized the sensitivity and specificity to correctly predict the likelihood of dying or being light in weight at exit from the nursery (< or = 14.5 kg). Weaning weight < or = 3.6 kg (OR = 2.92), barrow (OR = 1.75), and sow unit (A versus B, OR = 2.14) were significant predictors of mortality in the nursery. Birth weight < or = 1.0 kg (OR = 2.66), weaning weight < or = 3.6 kg (OR = 8.75), gilt (OR = 1.4), sow unit (OR = 2.38), and gilt as nursing sow at weaning (OR = 1.66) were significant predictors of being lightweight at nursery exit. Eighteen per cent of the nursery deaths and almost half of lightweight nursery pigs could be prevented if there were no lightweight pigs at weaning.