A rearing system for colostrum-deprived neonatal piglets

Abstract

A system for the artificial rearing of colostrum-deprived neonatal piglets is described. A total of 443 piglets in 6 batches was reared. Each piglet, immediately after birth was placed in a separate incubator which was ventilated with heated filtered air. Piglets were fed hourly by an automatic system and were offered a liquid milk substitute. The mean survival rate up to the time piglets were transferred out of the rearing unit at 2 weeks of age was 78 ± 7%. The mean daily live weight gain up to 2 weeks of age was 148 ± 16 g/day and the dry matter intake over the same period was 154 ± 10 g/day per piglet. © 1985, Royal Society of Medicine Press. All rights reserved.