Effect of Split up Suckling on the Growth Performance, Survivability and Economics of Large White Yorkshire Piglets

Abstract

The study involved two groups such as treatment group (split up suckling) and control group (regular suckling) of 6 Large White Yorkshire sows with their litters, providing a total of 108 piglets. The piglets born to these pigs were categorised in to three units such as  Category A- low birth weight (800 g - 1199 g), Category B - medium birth weight (1200 g - 1499g) and Category C -high birth weight (> 1500 g ) units based on the body weight. In the treatment group, piglets in Category A were allowed to suckle first and were followed by Category B and then piglets from Category C. The piglets born under the control group were freely allowed to suckle in a regular manner, without any intervention. This protocol was adopted 3 times every day till weaning. No significant difference was noticed in weight at 180 days, feed intake and feed efficiency between the groups. Statistical analysis revealed that the piglets under split-up suckling group had significantly (P≤0.01) higher body weight gain and weaning weight than those piglets under regular suckling management. It was evident from the study that the system of split up suckling had better economic and health prospects than regular suckling systems.