Piglet milk replacer boosts productivity

Trials have found using piglet milk replacer, instead of relying on the sow’s milk, improves productivity by reducing mortality rates by 5% and increasing weaning weights by 0.5kg.

Stephen Cassidy from Provimi said: “The number of live born piglets for every litter has been steadily increasing in many EU countries. For example, the national average in The Netherlands now stands at 13.5 piglets for every sow and it is expected that this trend will continue.”

He said this increase in litter sizes had resulted in an increase in the number of weak and small piglets, which previously would be transferred to other sows for feeding resulting in lower performance figures, less uniformity and a potential increase in disease.

“Providing piglet milk replacer in the farrowing room is an ideal solution. It ensures all piglets born have access to adequate amounts of milk, and it gives the weaker piglets a chance to catch up, making the litter more uniform in size,” added Mr Cassidy.

“The system also encourages the intake of dry feed so that post weaning dips are minimised.”