How to maximise your piglet weaning weight

Optimising piglet weaning weight is important as it indicates the performance of the animal over the whole production period. An extra 100 grams of body weight at weaning is considered to equate to one day less to reach slaughter weight, with corresponding savings in labour, housing and feed costs. Heavier weaners tend to be leaner at slaughter and are more efficient at converting feed into weight gain, again leading to economic benefits for producers. Management, environment and nutrition all contribute to optimal piglet weaning weight.

The health of newborn piglets has a major impact on weaning and can be addressed by certain measures, including sow nutrition, to ensure they have good immunity and better litter uniformity, with fewer small, sickly piglets within the litter. 

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