August 1, 2007

Dutch study shows higher birth weight of piglets yield multiple benefits

Research in the Netherlands has shown that piglets with a higher weight at farrowing are more cost effective in terms of breeding, growing and finishing.

The research, commissioned by the Dutch Product Board for Livestock and Meat (PVV), showed that piglets with a birth weight of 1 or 2 kg are more costly in production.

The study aimed to clarify the influence of weight at farrowing and weaning for the rest of the pig production process and was carried out by the Animal Sciences Group, part of Wageningen University and Research Center (WUR).

Larger litters have led to an increase in the numbers of piglets dying at or after farrowing. Studies showed that light-weight piglets are two to seven times more likely to die at a young age compared to heavier siblings.