Factors that influence low birth weight pigs

The probability of loss and mortality in pigs is largely driven by low birth weight. These gilts have slower growth, take longer to reach maturity, and are inefficient in terms of reproduction. It’s important when looking at the efficiency of good gilt development to pay attention to birth weights and identify the sows with low birth weight phenotypes, according to Jennifer Patterson, research coordinator at the University of Alberta (Canada). “If we have 100 sows, about 10% to 15% of