As litter size increases, birth weight and litter weight are decreasing and the piglets may not be receiving proper nutrition. Piglets are naturally dependent nutritionally on their mother until 135 days, which equals the whole post-weaning period. Micronutrients were screened in the neonatal period to see if piglets were receiving proper nutrition. Three critical micronutrients for piglets are copper, vitamin A and vitamin D; they are found in abundance in nature through UV light, plants and soil. The best way to supplement these micronutrients in commercial settings is through oral administration at days 2 and 8 with UVB exposure every second day of lactation. No long term benefits were noted after weaning. When sows were fed micronutrient supplements, their litters had more consistent birth weights and improved gut microflora. Health and robustness may be improved through the use of micronutrient supplements.
Can Micro-Nutrients make a Macro Difference for Piglets (full article)
