Suplementação láctea para leitões lactentes

Abstract

The genetic improvement of the sows has resulted in an increase in prolificacy, mainly aiming an the number of piglets born alive, which in turn leads to an increase in the number of piglets of low weight and of low viability, besides a heterogeneous litter. Thus, the main challenge faced in the maternity phase is to increase the numbers of viable piglets, standardizing the litters, and, consequently, reducing losses after birth. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the supplementation with milk substitute for suckling piglets on individual weight and from litter to weaning. A total of 18 sows from Topigs Norsvin strain were randomly assigned to a 2x3 factorial arrangement, considering the test group being supplemented and the control group not being supplemented with milk substitute, and 3 groups of labor orders (1 st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th, above 5th order of delivery). At 4 days of age, the litters were weighed and distributed among: Control Group- Feed supply from 6 days of age; Test group- supply of milk substitute from 4 to 14 days of age. At 14 days of age the animals were weighed and all received the same ration until the 21 days of age, when they were again weighed. Supplementation with milk substitutes for piglets from 4 days of age resulted in a higher weight of the animals at 14 (P = 0.0355) and at 21 (P = 0.0420) days of age, weaning (P = 0.0371), but there was no statistical difference when analyzing the calving orders of the females. It is concluded that the use of a milk supplementation for suckling piglets results in a better performance through greater weight gain, favoring a better transition in the change from liquid to solid feed.