Advancing Pig Production: Genetic Strategies for Improved Litter Size and Survival

Improving litter size and vitality by understanding sows’ genomic capacity

The effort to enhance pig production by improving piglets’ litter size and vitality is explored in this research. The focus is on understanding the genomic capacity of sows to achieve this objective. Through the establishment of balanced breeding goals, a notable increase has been observed in both litter sizes and piglet survival rates.

Genetics plays a crucial role in driving productivity as we navigate the changing landscape of pig production, ensuring animal welfare, and reducing our environmental footprint. Read on as we uncover the keys to this progress, where understanding the genomics response is the critical solution in shaping the future of our industry.

In our quest for swine breeding efficiency, we delve into the paramount metric—the number of piglets weaned produced per sow per year (PWSY), determined by the sow index (SI) and litter size at weaning (LSW), where PWSY = SI x LSW, our focus in this article narrows onto elevating LSW to enhance overall breeding efficacy. Essential to this improvement is the critical endeavor to minimize animal losses before weaning, particularly during the vulnerable suckling period.

Our historical retrospective unveils the success story of selective breeding programs, notably post-Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) implementation in 1990. The steady rise in litter size has streamlined production processes and led to more cost- and resource-efficient global systems. Notably, the reduction in sow herds across most European countries since 2000, coupled with an increased number of slaughtered pigs, has significantly diminished the overall production cost and environmental footprint per kilogram of pig meat.

However, challenges still persist, particularly in mitigating neonatal mortality. The genetic correlation of litter size with piglet survival poses a nuanced dilemma, requiring a delicate balance. While successful modifications in selective breeding programs have limited stillbirths and increased the number of piglets born alive, neonatal mortality remains a pressing issue. The original problem, an unfavorable genetic correlation, increases piglet mortality rates if selection for increased litter size lacks a concurrent emphasis on survival.

Yet, a solution emerges through leveraging existing genetic variation. New data shows that, despite common belief, mortality rates are declining. Recognizing this progress is crucial, dispelling the misconception that increasing litter size inherently has consequences. This article aims to educate and explore the untapped potential within sows’ genetic responses to management and nutritional interventions during pregnancy. Join us in unraveling how these interventions can efficiently influence the number of piglets born and contribute to a more sustainable and optimized production process.

Piglet Birth Weight: A Crucial Factor in Managing Mortality

One key criterion stands out in navigating the complexities of piglet mortality: The key factor in piglet mortality is their birth weight and within-litter variation. The within-litter variation of piglet weight potentially causes the bullying of smaller piglets. The rationale is straightforward: heavier piglets exhibit greater viability and vigor, crucial for competing for milk and avoiding the sow.

Research by Vanden Hole et al. (2018) delves into the locomotor development of low-weight versus normal-weight piglets, uncovering differences in neuromotor skills at birth. Similarly, Edwards et al. (2019) shed light on intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), emphasizing reduced maturity at birth in piglets facing IUGR characteristics. Leenhouwers et al. (2002) add that selecting for improved piglet survival might yield slightly smaller piglets with an enhanced ability to navigate hazards during birth or early days of life.

While the debate on the role of birth weight in piglet mortality persists, the newborn piglet’s stage of fetal maturity emerges as a more relevant trait. However, weight remains a convenient proxy for measuring this trait. Additionally, the cascading effects of increasing litter size, piglet survival, and piglet birth weight pose challenges. Notably, the rise in fetal mass requires accommodations in the sow’s uterus, emphasizing the critical factors of uterine capacity and the mature size of the sow. It presents a constraint for pig producers, necessitating periodic redesigns of farrowing facilities and adjustments to feeding standards.

The Importance of Teat Availability in Managing Increased Litter Size

A crucial consideration accompanying the rise in litter size is the need for an increased number of teats, a factor emphasized by Lundeheim et al. (2013). The absence of a mammary cistern in sows necessitates piglet suckling during the limited seconds of milk flow, highlighting the importance of one functional teat for each piglet. As we champion an increase in litter size, piglet survival, and piglet birth weight, the demand for teats and efficient resource allocation for mammary glands becomes paramount.

While crossfostering emerges as an alternative solution, it brings challenges such as increased preweaning mortality due to aggressive behavior towards transferred piglets. Nevertheless, crossfostering remains a common practice, mainly to move piglets from larger to smaller litters and to achieve uniform piglet weight within litters. This practice has succeeded, especially for piglets with low birth weight, but timing and frequency are critical considerations.

Crossfostering is essential to ensure teat availability for each suckling piglet, particularly in large farms where recently farrowed sows can adopt very young piglets. Hyperprolific sows, defined by Oliviero (2022) as those giving birth to more piglets than their functional teats, underscore the challenges and importance of managing teat availability.

An additional consideration arises as increased udder development and milk production in lactating sows necessitate a corresponding increase in protein intake. It involves adjustments in the protein content of lactating sow feed, an increase in the sow’s lactation feed intake capacity, or a strategic combination of both.

For further insights and practical guidance on crossfostering, a comprehensive guide is available at https://tinyurl.com/3cej4pbd.

Non-Genetic Strategies for Mitigating Piglet Mortality

In our pursuit of enhancing litter size and vitality, it’s crucial to recognize that genetic improvement alone isn’t the sole driver of success on the farm. The diamond program concept underscores the synergy of genetics, nutrition, management, and health care. In complementing genetic advancements, non-genetic strategies are pivotal in reducing piglet mortality.

Strategy 1: Precision Feeding during GestationPrecision feeding d

uring gestation, especially late gestation, emerges as a key strategy. The last four to six weeks witness a significant acceleration in fetal and mammary growth, necessitating a five-fold increase in fetal weight and a 27-fold increase in mammary protein content. This calls for a substantial rise in nutritional support during this critical phase.

Strategy 2: Colostrum IntakeFocus

Colostrum intake is paramount for all pigs but is especially significant for small piglets. Focus on aiding small yet viable piglets in initiating nursing, ensuring complete udder training within 30 minutes, and repeating the process 60 minutes after birth.

Strategy 3: Managing Piglet Temperature

Providing a warm piglet microenvironment in the crucial hours post-birth is essential for maintaining body temperature and improving survival rates. Lighter birthweight piglets, with slower average daily gains, require extra heat support to thrive.

Dr. Gilroy Crisostomo, Feed Technical Manager at Pilmico, highlights the multifaceted approach adopted by the company. Integrating new genetics, facility design adaptations, improved animal husbandry practices, and enhanced biosecurity protocols, Pilmico ensures the continuity of its breeding program and maximizes productivity. While genetics remains a driving force, attention to factors such as parity profiles, breeding techniques, nutrition, and health status is pivotal. Dr. Crisostomo emphasizes the need for comprehensive herd composition and effective management of diseases affecting reproductive efficiency to maximize the impact of genetic potential.

For those seeking further insights into these strategies, our technical team is available for consultations. Feel free to reach out and explore how these comprehensive approaches can elevate the success of your farm.

Optimizing Piglet Production Through Comprehensive Approaches

In exploring pig production enhancements, we’ve navigated the intricacies of genetics, non-genetic strategies, and meticulous management. Balancing breeding goals has increased litter sizes and enhanced piglet survival rates, affirming genetics’ pivotal role in shaping farm productivity.

From the historical success of selective breeding to addressing neonatal mortality challenges, our journey highlights the nuanced factors influencing piglet vitality. Understanding piglet birth weight, teat availability, and the synergy of genetic and non-genetic strategies illuminates a path toward sustainable and efficient production.

Beyond genetics, the diamond program underscores the holistic approach involving nutrition, management, and health care. Insights from experts like Dr. Gilroy Crisostomo of Pilmico emphasize the multifaceted efforts required to maximize breeding efficiency.

As we conclude, we invite you to connect with our technical team for tailored consultations. Let’s shape a future where optimized and sustainable piglet production is at the forefront of swine breeding.