The effect of piglet birthweight on weaning weight, preweaning mortality and preweaning diseases

Authors
Citation
G. Bilkei et O. Biro, The effect of piglet birthweight on weaning weight, preweaning mortality and preweaning diseases, TIER UMSCH, 54(7), 1999, pp. 372
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Veterinary Medicine/Animal Health
Journal title
TIERARZTLICHE UMSCHAU
ISSN journal
00493864 → ACNP
Volume
54
Issue
7
Year of publication
1999
Database
ISI
SICI code
0049-3864(199907)54:7<372:TEOPBO>2.0.ZU;2-C
Abstract
New-born piglets, on one intensive unit, were allocated to one of three gro ups based on their weight at birth. Group one comprised 87 piglets weighing between 0.8-1.1 kg, Group two 423 piglets (1.2-1.4 kg) and Group three 249 piglets (greater than or equal to 1.5 kg). The outcome measures were weani ng weight, pre-weaning mortality rate (%) and the incidence of preweaning d iseases. Piglets in Group one had significantly lower weaning weights compa red to Group two (p<0.05) and to Group three (p<0.01). The preweaning morta lity rate was significantly greater (p<0.01) in Group one compared with tha t in the other two groups. The incidence of pre-weaning diseases was signif icantly greater (p<0.01) in Group one than in Groups two and three. There w as also a significant (p<0.05) difference in this respect between Groups tw o and three. The results indicate that piglets with low birth weights have a greater risk of death and disease in the preweaning period and have lower weaning weights.