Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Animal Science
First Advisor
Crystal L. Levesque
Abstract
Pre-weaning mortality (PWM) remains a significant challenge in modern swine production systems, particularly in the context of hyper prolific sows. Although genetic selection has successfully increased litter sizes, these advancements have also intensified physiological stress on sows and increased the vulnerability of neonatal piglets. The majority of PWM occurs within the first 72 hours postpartum, with crushing by the sow as the leading cause of death. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia remains one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in piglets, further compromising survival, immune function, and growth. This thesis adopts a multifactorial approach to evaluate two management interventions aimed at improving piglet health and survivability: sow feeding strategies in early lactation and piglet iron supplementation protocols. The first study investigated the impact of different lactation feeding schedules during the first five days after parturition on sow feed intake, behavior, and piglet performance. A total of 261 sows were assigned to one of three feeding regimens: two meals per day (feed-2), six meals per day (feed-6), or a hybrid approach (feed-2/6), where sows transitioned from two to six meals after day five. While overall litter performance did not differ significantly among feeding strategies, parity emerged as a critical factor influencing outcomes. Older sows consumed more feed but exhibited higher PWM, largely due to crushing, and showed lower hemoglobin concentrations. These results indicate that sow age, rather than feeding frequency, was more strongly associated with piglet mortality and reproductive outcomes. The second study assessed the effectiveness of one versus two iron supplementation strategies in suckling piglets and evaluated both injectable and oral administration methods. Over 2,300 piglets were monitored for changes in hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and anemia status across three time points during lactation. Results demonstrated that a second dose of iron significantly improved Hb levels at weaning and reduced the prevalence of anemia. Parity also played a role, with gilts producing piglets with lower Hb concentrations and higher rates of anemia compared to multiparous sows. Iron supplementation improved not only hematological status but also piglet growth and survivability, especially in low-parity litters where the risk of anemia is highest. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the need to implement integrated management strategies that consider both sow- and piglet-specific factors. Feeding schedules in early lactation did not independently influence piglet mortality; however, parity had a pronounced impact on maternal performance and PWM. Likewise, enhanced iron supplementation protocols proved effective in reducing the incidence of anemia and improving piglet hematological status and growth. However, further research is warranted to determine the most effective, practical, and economically sustainable supplementation strategies for commercial production systems. Overall, this research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how targeted nutritional and management interventions can be strategically implemented to reduce pre-weaning mortality and enhance both productivity and animal welfare in modern swine operations.
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Bardales Castellanos, Aryeri Stephanie, "A Multifactorial Approach To Improve Piglet Health And Survival" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1516.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1516
Rights Statement
