As a result of intensive breeding, litter size has considerably increased in pig production
over the last three decades. This has resulted in an increase in farrowing complications …

Simple Summary In the swine industry, sows are selectively bred for larger litters so,
theoretically, more pigs can be sold per year. As producers continue to increase the number …

Colostrum is the only source of passive immunity and the major source of nutrients and is
crucial for thermoregulation of newborn piglets in their early life. However, the amount of …

Simple Summary Neonatal piglet viability is decreasing in concert with the selection for ever-
greater numbers of piglets born per sow per year. Their survival depends on the early …

This study aimed to determine the optimal supply of lactation feed during the transition
period to minimize farrowing duration (FD) and maximize colostrum yield (CY) and quality …

The aim of the present study was to explore the influences of varying doses of micelle
silymarin (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) supplementation on sows' feed intake, milk yields …

Simple Summary A long birthing process is not only stressful for both the sow and her
piglets, it also decreases the chances of survival of piglets during birth or in the first days of …

Background Prolonged farrowing and more piglets born with low birth weight are
undesirable consequences of genetic selection for increased litter size. The objective of the …

Simple Summary Loose-housed pens are being implemented as alternative farrowing
systems in the swine industry worldwide. This system allows sows to express natural …

Sows are strongly driven to build a nest prior to farrowing, and the performance of this
behaviour is linked to the environment in which the animal is housed. The aim of this study …