Original scientific paper

INFLUENCE OF PIGLETS BIRTH WEIGHT ON WEIGHT GAIN AND LOSSES

Tomislav Balenović ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Anamaria Ekert Kabalin ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sven Menčik ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Željko Pavičić ; Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

In spite of permanent improvements in animal housing, nutrition and genetics, pig production is still suffering considerable losses particularly from piglets during suckling. In this category the production parameters of low birth weight piglets are the poorest and losses are the heaviest. This study will try to establish the influence of birth weight on weight gain during suckling period, and to compare losses between two piglet groups: of low birth weight less than 1000 g, and piglets that were heavier than 1000 g at birth. We established a strong, statistically significant correlation between birth weight and body weight on day 21 of life (r = 0,67). Regression equation for body weight at 21st day of life based on birth weight was calculated. Losses during suckling period were lower in the group of piglets with normal birth weight (5,88%), and higher in the group of piglets with low birth weight (32,35%).

Keywords

birth weight; piglets; weight gain; losses

Hrčak ID:

103451

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/103451

Publication date:

22.10.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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