Relationship between the weight at birth of piglets from hyperprolific sows and the productive and economic parameters in grow-finisher pigs

Abstract

Genetic and productive advances in the pig sector industry have resulted in an increase in litter size. This progress has led to lower birth weight and higher within little weight variability. In this study, the relationship between low birth weight of 353 piglets (range 0.50-1.22 kg) and the productive and economic outcomes were evaluated. Birth weight was recorded at birth, at the end of the lactation, grower, and finisher stages. Average daily gain (ADG) and mortality rate (%MORT) were calculated for each stage. Birth weight influenced weight in the lactation stage (r = 0.41; P < 0.01), ADG (r = 0.45; P < 0.01) and %MORT (r = –0.31; P < 0.01). Birth weight was also directly associated with the weight at the end of the transition (r = 0.42; P < 0.01) and fattening phase (r = 0.35; P < 0.01) and with the ADG (r = 0.38 and r = 0.16; P < 0.01). Using a Receiver operating curve (ROC), the relationship between birth weight and survival during the entire production cycle was studied, estimating a cut-off of 0.815 kg. Birth weight determines the production costs (piglet cost, pig cost to slaughterhouse and cost per kg produced), the weight of 0.890 kg was the cut-off value for economic profitability. The methodology and data of this study could serve as a basis for designing productive strategies and taking specific measures with piglets born with low weight.