Development of the piglet’s intestines:
Massive weight-increase during the first hours following colostrum-intake
The piglet’s intestines are still not fully matured yet
High nutrient demand for fast growing intestines
Because hypothermic pigs
require more time after birth to ingest adequate colostrum
generally ingest less colostrum
Reduced farrowing times with uterotonic, Vetrabutin
Different super script means statistically significant differences (Source: D. Mota Rojas et al., 2005)
Energy intake is the most critical factor in determining piglet survival during the first 3 days of life. Large litters are susceptible to higher mortality because of lower birth weight and increased competition over teats.
Oliver Duran
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., (BIVI) announces the four recipients of its annual Advancement in PRRS Research Awards.
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