%0 Conference Paper
%A Bussemas, Ralf
%A Weissmann, Friedrich
%D 2009
%F orgprints:13992
%K Ökologische Ferkelerzeugung, Absetzalter, Leistung, Gesundheit
%T Verlängerte Säugezeit – kein Schaden für die Sau und von Nutzen  für die Ferkel
%U http://orgprints.org/13992/
%X Due to the minimum requirement of the EEC Regulation 2092/91 of 40 days organic  piglet suckling period typically takes about 6 weeks. But piglets weaned in such a way  are often characterized by inferior performance and health status. Therefore a study  with a control group (42 days suckling period) and a test group (63 days suckling  period) of 18 sows each should clarify whether an extended suckling period and therefore  older piglets result in better performance and health status of the piglets. Three  farrowing cycles with 108 litters were recorded. The extended suckling period caused  an improved piglets’ growth rate, a reduced number of medically treated piglets but an  almost unaffected piglet loss rate and a positively affected body condition of the sows  without any teat problems. Hence a prolongation of the suckling period compared to  the minimum requirement seems favourable.