Grinwich DL, McKay RM. Effects of reduced suckling on days to estrus, conception during lactation and embryo survival in sows.
Theriogenology 1985;
23:449-59. [PMID:
16726015 DOI:
10.1016/0093-691x(85)90017-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/1984] [Accepted: 11/29/1984] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Trials to investigate the effects of limited suckling on sow reproduction and piglet growth were conducted using 41 first parity and 32 second parity Yorkshire sows. Separation of sows from their litters (22 hrs/day, days 21-35 postpartum) induced estrus in 60% of primiparous and 72% of second parity sows during lactation. Compared to control group animals, primiparous sows had higher weaning weights and second parity sows higher rates of embryo survival on day 30 of gestation. Piglets subjected to suckling restriction had weights, at 2 weeks after weaning, equal to those weaned after 5 weeks of unrestricted suckling. We conclude that suckling restriction can provide the dual benefits of an extended piglet nursing period and a decreased breeding to breeding interval in sows.
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