Effect of Dam Parity on Growth Performance and Immunity of Weaned Pigs

Authors

Erin E. Carney, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Huyen Tran, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Justin W. Bundy, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Roman Moreno, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Philip S. Miller, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Thomas E. Burkey, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2009

Comments

Published in 2009 Nebraska Swine Report. Published by Extension Division, Agricultural Research Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resouces, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Copyright ©2009 Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

The growth performance of weaned pigs derived from different parities has not been previously evaluated; however, unpublished and anecdotal observations suggest that progeny derived from first parity (P1) dams have reduced health status and growth performance compared to progeny derived from mature sows (≥ P2). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of dam parity on growth performance and immune response of P1 and P4 progeny during the nursery phase of production. Results from this experiment suggest that P4 progeny have increased body weight and growth performance during the nursery phase of production compared to P1 progeny. There were no effects of dam parity on immune response in this experiment.