Nutritional interventions to prevent and rear low-birthweight piglets

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Pig Production

Background:

• Selection for hyperprolific sows increases litter size, leading to a higher incidence of low-birthweight (LBW) piglets.
• LBW piglets exhibit increased morbidity, mortality, and reduced growth performance, causing significant economic losses in swine farming.
• Effective management and nutritional interventions are necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of LBW in piglets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preventive strategies at the sow level to reduce the occurrence of LBW piglets.
• To describe interventions at the piglet level to enhance the survival and growth of LBW piglets.
• To discuss nutritional and managemental approaches for optimizing post-natal food intake in LBW piglets.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on sow nutrition during gestation.
• Analysis of interventions for LBW piglet management, including colostrum and milk intake optimization.
• Examination of supplementary feeding, split nursing, split weaning, and cross-fostering techniques.

Main Results:

• Supplementing sows during gestation can optimize the intrauterine environment, potentially preventing LBW.
• Ensuring adequate colostrum and milk intake is critical for LBW piglet survival and growth.
• Interventions like piglet supplementation, split nursing, split weaning, and cross-fostering can improve post-natal food intake and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional strategies targeting sows during gestation are key preventive measures against LBW piglets.
• Post-natal interventions focusing on maximizing nutrient intake are essential for improving the viability and performance of LBW piglets.
• A combination of sow-level and piglet-level strategies is necessary for successful management of LBW piglets and reducing economic losses.