Effect of a simulated udder on survival and weight gain of neonatal piglets in a practical farm setting

Abstract

Hyperprolificacy in sows presents challenges for piglet nutrition and survival in modern pig production. This study investigated the potential to ensure the survival of one additional piglet by using a specifically designed simulated udder (test group, T-group) compared to the control group (C-group). The hypothesis further holds that there is no negative effect on piglet weight gain. The experiment involved 53 litters from 26 control-sows (C-group) and 27 test-sows (T-group), conducted over seven weeks on a Danish pig farm. In the T-group, litters were divided into sets of six based on birth order, rotation between nursing by the sow and the simulated udder, while the C-group piglets were nursed continuously by the sow. Numerically, in the T-group, 0.6 more piglets survived; however, this effect was not statistically significant. (P = 0.7). 69.8 % of the sows successfully nursed 17 piglets, with 74.1 % of these sows belonging to the T-group. 96.5 % of the piglets maintained or exceeded their birth weight, and 86.8 % experienced a weight gain of at least 10 % within 76 h postpartum. The weight gain in the T-group was 5.8 ± 1.3 kg and 4.9 ± 1.6 kg in the C-group. The utilization of a simulated udder did not result in significant changes in piglet survival, though it did have an impact on weight gain compared to sow nursing. However, the sample size in this study was too low to detect smaller effects. Importantly, no negative consequences were observed from the use of simulated udders.