Split weaning improves embryo quality and development in multiparous sows

Increasing the weaning age of piglets while maintaining the reproductive efficiency of sows is of great interest to the swine industry. Stimulating a fertile sow in oestrus during lactation increases the piglet weaning age without reducing pregnancy rates and litter sizes. A team of Australian researchers hypothesised that reducing the suckled litter to 7 piglets would improve follicle development and oocyte quality. They published about their findings in the Journal of Animal Reproduction Sc