– neither on the number of pigs weaned per weaning nor on the weight of the litter. On the contrary, there are several positive effects of letting the sows nurse more piglets instead of moving surplus piglets to nurse sows, both in terms of piglet health and weight gain.


Large litters require commitment This trial clearly demonstrates that DanBred sows have the potential and high capacity for nursing their large litters. However, it also tells us that it is essential to be attentive in the farrowing unit, respecting the fact that there is no quick fix when it comes to handling large litters. As in all matters of life, success with large litters requires commitment, perseverance and the ability to see opportunities and work continuously to improve performance. Scientific literature, trials and experience gatherings all conclude the same; Increasing the number of weaned piglets per weaning by systematically letting the sows nurse more piglets than they have functional teats calls for a generous effort in the farrowing unit. Nevertheless, the payoff in terms of production efficiency, profitability and sustainability will be worth the effort.


Preparation, evaluation and strategy The recommendation is to always evaluate the sows’ ability to take care of many piglets prior to farrowing by focusing on their body condition and appetite. Additionally, by counting the number of functional teats it will be possible to systematically let well-conditioned sows nurse one extra piglet than the number of available functional teats. This will


reduce the need for nurse sows and, consequently, reduce the mixing of piglets, which will in turn increase piglet weight, the general age at weaning and have a positive effect on the development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Moreover, it is vital for the success of the production that all farrowing unit employees know the strategy on the use of nurse sows and know the correct intervention, if conditions among sows or piglets change. Finally, a strategy on the use of supplementary feed should be considered.


Online knowledge hub To release the full potential of the DanBred breeding animals and succeed with preparation and strategy efforts, the company has built an open, online Knowledge Hub, which contains easily accessible articles, informative videos and step-by-step guides on a broad variety of management topics – including successful weaning. Titles range from rearing many high-quality piglets, setting up and managing nurse sows for large litters, and supporting piglet growth with supplementary feeding, just to name a few. The Knowledge Hub is a great addition to the existing manuals that helps producers and employees achieve even greater production results by sharpening their skill sets. With access to the Knowledge Hub and with DanBred sows in their pens, pig producers have the optimal prerequisites for seizing the opportunities at hand by letting the sows nurse more piglets.


Learn more about the Knowledge Hub by visiting the website danbred-knowledge.com


▶ WEANING | JUNE 2020 33


A healthy and high performing Danish sow nursing more than 13 piglets.


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