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Within-litter variation in the performance of piglets to three weeks of age

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

P. H. Hemsworth ,
C. G. Winfield  and
P. D. Mullaney
P. H. Hemsworth
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, Victoria, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Australia 3030
C. G. Winfield
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, Victoria, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Australia 3030
P. D. Mullaney
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, Victoria, S. S. Cameron Laboratory, Werribee, Australia 3030
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Summary

In a series of observations the association between within-litter variation in growth performance of piglets to 3 weeks of age and other parameters was examined in 28 litters. Growth rate was correlated significantly with birth weight and milk intake of the piglet. Birth order and location of the preferred teat did not influence significantly the milk intake or growth performance. In a second series of observations the individual behaviour of the piglets immediately after birth was examined in relation to the within-litter variation in growth performance to 3 weeks of age in three litters. The amount of time that each teat was sucked during the period of continuous suckle was positively correlated with the growth performance of the piglet which preferred the teat at day 21 of lactation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 22 , Issue 3 , June 1976 , pp. 351 - 357
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1976

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References

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