Verlängerte Säugezeit – kein Schaden für die Sau und von Nutzen für die Ferkel

Summary

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.