Effects of extensive crossfostering on performance of pigs on a farm.
OBJECTIVE
To compare mortality and growth rates of pigs subjected to continuous or limited crossfostering.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
80 liters containing 879 pigs.


METHODS
In half of the litters, crossfostering was limited to the first 2 days of life. In the other litters, pigs were crossfostered throughout the lactation period to maintain uniform body weights within litters.


RESULTS
Restricting crossfostering to the first 2 days of life resulted in a 20% increase in body weight at weaning, compared with crossfostering throughout the nursing period. Mortality rates did not differ between the limited and continuous crossfostering groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The emphasis placed on reducing variation of body weights within litters is unwarranted and veterinarians should advise limiting crossfostering to the first 2 days of life. Excessive crossfostering late in the nursing period may be identified by low within-litter SD of mean body weight.
Straw
B E
BE
Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
Bürgi
E J
EJ
Dewey
C E
CE
Duran
C O
CO
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000191:economics; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001835:Body Weight; D016014:Linear Models; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013552:Swine / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology