How does bump feeding improve piglet growth and sow reproductive performance?

Researchers from South Korea and the Philippines recently investigated whether bump feeding during late gestation impacted sow reproductive performance, and piglet growth. Intensive genetic improvement has increased litter sizes and decreased birth weight within each litter. Low-birthweight piglets have lower weaning and market weight, decreased reproductive performance, and a higher mortality risk. There are various nutritional strategies to improve piglet birth weight and optimise reproduc