145 Effect of Substandard Teats on Piglet and Sow Performance. (7th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knauer, Mark; Peppmeier, Zack
• Is Part Of: Journal of animal science. Volume 99(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2021-05-07
• Subjects: lactation -- sow -- teat; Livestock -- Periodicals; Livestock; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab054.225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8812

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of the study was to evaluate sow teat quality in relation to subsequent reproductive throughput. Data included one cohort of 42 Landrace × Large White second parity maternal line sows at the Tidewater Research Station (Plymouth, NC). Functional teats (FUNCTIONAL) were classified pre-farrow as acceptable (ACCEPTABLE) or substandard (SUBSTANDARD). Teats were categorized as SUBSTANDARD when teat size was ≤75% of ACCEPTABLE. At day 20 of lactation, ACCEPTABLE and SUBSTANDARD were assessed for the presence of a swollen mammary gland and piglets observed nursing SUBSTANDARD were recorded (24 piglets from 15 litters). Means for FUNCTIONAL, ACCEPTABLE and SUBSTANDARD were 15.07, 13.59 and 1.48 teats, respectively. Biological dam traits included birth weight (BWT), total number born (TNB), litter size at weaning (LSW) and piglet survival (LSW/TNB). Weaning weight (WWT) was considered a trait of the nurse dam. Means for TNB, LSW, litter BWT and litter WWT were 13.4, 10.9, 17.8 kg and 57.8 kg, respectively. Data was analyzed using a chi-square test for binary traits and linear mixed models for continuous traits. At weaning, a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of ACCEPTABLE had a functional mammary gland when compared to SUBSTANDARD (76 vs. 47%). Within litters, piglets nursing SUBSTANDARD tended (em>P = 0.09) to be 158 grams lighter at weaning in comparison to ACCEPTABLE. Yet BWT of SUBSTANDARD piglets did not differ (em>P = 0.60) from piglets nursing ACCEPTABLE. Across litters, an increase in one SUBSTANDARD tended (em>P = 0.07) to reduce litter WWT by 1.74 kilograms. An increase in one SUBSTANDARD tended (em>P < 0.07) to increase piglet survival by 3.5%. Results suggest substandard teats, identified pre-farrow, are less likely to have a functional mammary gland at weaning, impair piglet quality yet may enhance piglet survival.