Surplus piglets relative to the number of functional teats in lactating primiparous sows: effects on piglets and sows

Key Points

• Surplus piglets reduce the level of maternal care provided by lactating sows, leading to potential growth issues in piglets.
• Increased competition for milk among piglets when teats are limited results in decreased weight gain for the piglets over weaning.
• Observational analysis highlights the correlation between the number of functional teats and the health of piglets in primiparous sows.
• Management of piglet numbers relative to functional teats may enhance overall welfare and productivity in swine farming.