The Runt Pig – its care and management
The runt of the
litter can have a significant negative impact on the farms output.
Care should be practiced when
considering managing these piglets
The cost of a runt pig – spreadsheet to
assist management
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Picture of a
weak new born piglet – 750 g birthweight |
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Down
side considerations: |
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If piglet is
less than 800g at birth it only has a 10% chance of being sold |
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They will
consume less colostrum than their brothers and sisters |
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They will have
increased risk of contracting pathogens |
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They will act as
multiplication resources for pathogens |
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It will have a
decrease in muscle fibres – particularly type 2 fibres |
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It will have a
reduced growth potential |
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It will have a
decreased lean potential – associated with its growth curve |
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It will have a
decreased muscle quality – the muscles being firmer |
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They will be the
last pigs out of the finishing house |
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They will have
the poorest food conversion ration |
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They will be the
most expensive pigs to produce |
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If the piglet is allowed to live through to the second day, ensure that
you consider:
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Collect them
together and place them onto a sow with long thin nipples |
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Do not use gilts
– it is essential these animals get maximum milk antibodies and have a patient
mother |
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Streaming the
weaker pigs – mark them at birth |
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Provide extra
care in the first 3 days post-weaning |
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Selling them
early as cutter or barbeque pigs |
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Do not allow
them to disrupt the pig flow |
Sometimes the kindest approach is euthanasia on day one – so they do
not consume valuable colostrum resources.