Effects of extensive crossfostering on performance of pigs on a farm.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality and growth rates of pigs subjected to continuous or limited crossfostering. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 80 liters containing 879 pigs. PROCEDURE: 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. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: 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.