To optimize piglet health and minimize preweaning mortality,
preparation must begin well before farrowing. In most farrowing
operations, the number of pigs weaned per litter is impacted
more by preweaning mortality than by the number of pigs born
alive. Significant increases in pigs/sow/year (p/s/y) can be
gained by maximizing piglet health and minimizing preweaning
mortality. The greatest percentage of preweaning mortality
occurs within the first three days after farrowing. To optimize
health during this period, preparation must begin well before
farrowing. Piglet health status is the balance of immunity and
disease challenge. A high level of immunity in a clean
environment is most likely to produce healthy pigs. Both of
these activities originate with the sow well before farrowing.
Building Pig Immunity Piglet immunity has two critical
mechanisms, generally referred to as “acquired” and “innate.”
Acquired immunity is the focused response to specific disease
organisms. Included in acquired immunity are antib