Reduced mortality and higher weaning weights in piglets

Developed by Provimi, RescueMilk is fed using an automated system and fed through RescueCups which are installed in the farrowing pen or in a RescueDeck.

 

On farm trials compared feeding RescueMilk through the RescueDeck system with relying on the sow’s milk in a range of litter sizes. Results consistently showed a reduction in mortality of 5% and an increase of 0.5kg in weaning weights.

 

“The number of live born piglets per litter has been increasing over a number of years with a current average litter size in the Netherlands of 13.5 piglets peer sow,” says Dr. Albert van Dijk. “It is expected that this trend will continue.”

 

The consequence of increased litter sizes is an increase in the number of weak and small piglets. Normally, these piglets are transferred to other sows but this reduces performance with less uniformity, lower litter indexes and a potential increase in disease. Also, more farrowing house space is required to accommodate these foster sows.

 

“Providing RescueMilk in the farrowing room, through RescueCups or in RescueDecks, is an ideal solution,” adds Albert van Dijk. “It ensures that all piglets born have access to adequate amounts of milk and it gives the weaker piglets chance to catch up, making the litter more uniform in size. The system also encourages the intake of dry feed so that post weaning dips are minimised.”

 

Provimi anticipates that the provision of milk replacer to piglets will become standard procedure in the near future and that each farrowing pen will be fitted with a RescueCup. The RescueDeck, RescueCup and RescueMilk are already used in countries like the Netherlands and Germany.