Original scientific paper
GROWTH AND LOSSES OF YORKSHIRE SUCKLING PIGLETS WITH REGARD TO THE BIRTH WEIGHT
Anamaria Ekert Kabalin
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Balenović
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
V. Sušić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ž. Pavičić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
I. Štoković
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
S. Menčik
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
M. Ostović
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Growth of piglets during the suckling period is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. In addition to breed composition, one of the most important endogenous factors is the body weight at birth. This factor also significantly affects the losses to weaning, since it is known that light piglets are more susceptible to diseases and stress factors. In this paper we wanted to present trends of growth of Yorkshire piglets during the suckling period, with respect to the birth weight, as well as mortalities in each group. To lessen the effects of mother genetics and sex of individuals, as well as the influence of external factors, in the litter in which we observed the piglet of birth weight less than 1000 grams, the same-sex offspring heavier than 1000 g was taken as a control. Piglets were weighed at birth, on 7th, 14th and 21st day. Obtained results indicate that a statistically significant difference in body weight between the two groups maintained until weaning at the same level (P<0.01), where the piglets in the control group consistently progressed, while the lighter piglets were of very uneven growth and final weight at weaning. Average daily gain during the entire period was significantly higher (P<0.01) in heavier animals by 66.7 grams per day. Correlation of birth weight with body mass at weaning was positive and strong (r = 0.61, P<0.05). Furthermore, higher losses were recorded in the experimental group of piglets (29.2% compared to 8.3% in the control group), where they were the highest during the first 7 days.
Keywords
Large White; piglets; birth body mass; weight gain; losses
Hrčak ID:
76737
URI
Publication date:
15.10.2011.
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