What economic benefits can early weaning of piglets bring?
The economic benefits of early weaning of piglets
After piglets reach 3 weeks of age, their growth and development accelerate, and the sow's milk production begins to decline after peaking. At this time, the piglets' nutritional requirements are not met. If piglets learn to eat supplementary feed at 1 week of age and feed normally after 3 weeks of age, then the nutritional shortfall in breast milk can be supplemented from the supplementary feed. After 3 weeks of age, the piglets' own antibodies begin to be produced, avoiding the antibody gap period. Therefore, weaning piglets after 3 weeks of age is more appropriate. The general weaning age is 28-35 days of age. Early weaning of piglets can improve the sow's reproductive rate and the number of piglets born per year; improve the utilization rate of the farrowing house; reduce the production cost of piglets; and effectively control disease.