January 10, 2007

Weaning stage critical for hogs, says UK researcher
 

Pig producers should take the weaning weights of their hogs as it is the most important stage determining post-weaning performance, said Dr Mike Varley, research and technical services manager of SCA Nutec.

Despite its importance, very few farms actually measure it, Varley said.

Pigs with a high weaning weight get a good start. They begin eating and drinking after weaning and these piglets are the ones who show great promise, he said.

Writing in "Technical Update" the electronic newsletter for the UK-based pig-breeding company ACMC, Varley said that some pigs may have the best genetic configuration for growth and the best health status, but if they do not eat they would not grow. 

Before weaning, the piglet receives its nutrients including water as a single package - milk. It is then expected to make a sudden switch to two packages - the Stage 1 starter creep and water, sent through a separate delivery system.

The factors affecting the water source, such as flow-rate height and quality are all critical to the piglet, Varley added.