October 2005
In the 41st edition of the Blueprint series, swine industry authorities list the various pros and cons of different
pig-weaning strategies.
First, swine veterinarians Joe Connor, Bill Hollis and Keith Erlandson of the Carthage (IL) Veterinary Service provide an overview
of the shift in pig-weaning ages, and its influence on wean-to-finish production and sow performance.
How to capture economic payback is also covered.
In the second article, veterinarian
Tom Wetzell of South Central Veterinary Associates of Wells, MN, lists compromises that led to the decline in popularity of segregated early weaning, how increasing weaning
age has reduced mortality and its impact on disease organisms.
A team of Kansas State University experts covers weaned pig nutrition, proper nursery pig management, saving starve-outs, phase feeding and nursery feed budgets, and crucial
factors in feeding sows as lactation
length increases.
The final article by Todd See, professor and swine commodity coordinator at North Carolina State University, focuses on the impact of weaning age on sow reproduction.
Blueprint Features: Weaning Age Revisited
Revisiting Weaning Age Trends, Dynamics
Oct 15, 2005 12:00 PM, by Joseph F. Connor, DVM; William L. Hollis, DVM; and Keith R. Erlandson, DVM Carthage Veterinary Se
In the late 1980s and into the 1990s, there was a movement within the swine industry to move to segregated early weaning and multi-site production. This...
Health Aspects Of Different Weaning Ages
Oct 15, 2005 12:00 PM, by Tom Wetzell, DVM South Central Veterinary Associates Wells, MN
Weaning age in baby pigs has seen its ups and downs over the years in U.S. pig production. Recently, we've seen a trend toward stabilizing and increasing...
Feeding Strategies For Weaned Pigs, Sows
Oct 15, 2005 12:00 PM, by Joel DeRouchey; Mike Tokach; Steve Dritz, DVM; Bob Goodband; and Jim Nelssen, Kansas State Univer
Feeding and nutritional strategies for weaned pigs, regardless of age, should be thoroughly reviewed on a regular basis to ensure success of your weaning...
Weaning Age Impact on Reproductive Performance
Oct 15, 2005 12:00 PM, by M. Todd See North Carolina State University
Pork producers in the United States shaved 9.5 days off the average age at weaning (from 28.8 days down to 19.3 days) between 1990 and 2000, according...
