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
Publication date:
22.10.2007.
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