J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1976. 42:235-241.
© 1976 American Society of Animal Science
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Neonatal Behavior and Nutrition-Related Mortality in Domestic Swine1

Thomas G. Hartsock2 and H. B. Graves

The Pennsylvania State University3, University Park, 16802

Abstract

Forty-four litters of pigs were observed in order to study the behavior of newborn pigs and its relationship to neonatal mortality. The sequence of behavioral events leading to the formation of a specific teat attachment, or nursing order, was described and agonistic behavior was quantified. Fighting frequency peaked very early, with piglets averaging eight fights per hour during the second hour of age and only two fights per hour by the eighth hour. Birth order and percent mortality were positively correlated (r = .77, P<.01), indicating that piglets born earlier in the birth order have the greatest chance of surviving. Survival of earlier born piglets may be enhanced by their opportunity to ingest disproportionately large amounts of the immunoglobulin-rich first colostrum by moving from teat to teat and suckling from each. Earlier-born piglets were also heavier at birth, enabling them to fight more successfully and therefore suckle more frequently than their lighter littermates. It is suggested that mortality in neonatal domestic pigs may be high due to reduced birth weights and increased competition at the udder brought about by selection for large litter size.

Footnotes

1 Contribution from the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series No. 4862.

2 Present address: Department of Animal Science, McDonald College of McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

3 Departments of Animal Science and Poultry Science.






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Copyright © 1976 by the American Society of Animal Science.