Shoreview, Minn. When it comes to litters, size matters. Larger
numbers of pigs per litter have a direct correlation with an
operation’s total pigs marketed; however, for these pigs to meet
their full potential, adequate birth weights are necessary. “No
matter the genetics, the management or the facilities, birth
weight plays a big factor in a pig’s lifetime productivity,”
says Dr. Gawain Willis, director of nutrition services for
Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. Willis explains that measuring
birth weights are especially important as current genetics are
helping sows move towards larger litters. Unfortunately this
trend is also resulting in a trend toward lower birth weights.
Research shows the average birth weight of each pig drops an
average of 0.10 pound for each additional pig in the litter. “As
the industry evolves and larger litters become more common,
producers must pay close attention to birth weights in their
farrowing units,” he says. Purina Animal Nutrition has evaluated
birth weights at the Purina An