Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Pages: 427-438

Journal: Archives Animal Breeding = Archiv Tierzucht

Volume number: 65

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0003-9438

eISSN: 2363-9822

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-65-427-2022

Publisher: Copernicus Publications

Abstract: 
The losses of piglets in commercial pig farming remain atconcerning levels and need to be addressed through the implementation of newsustainable breeding and management strategies. In fact, piglets areespecially at risk in the first days of life. Both genetics and thefarrowing process have been shown to impact piglet vitality. In addition,knowledge of the animal-intrinsic responses in adapting to extra-uterinelife is particularly important but is scarcely described in the scientificliterature. In this review, the three phases that constitute neonataladaptation in the pig are systematically presented. The first phase of earlyadaptation involves primarily the development of cardiorespiratory function(within the first 10 min of life) as well as thermoregulatory processesand acid-base balance (up to 24 h of life). In the second phase,homeostasis is established, and organ maturation takes place (up to 14 dpost natum). The final third phase aims at the development of neurological,immunological and muscular features (up to 28 d of life). The involvementof aggravating and ameliorating factors such as dystocia, low colostrumyield and heat supply is key to the development of strategies to reducepiglet losses and increase vitality. The insights are of particular value inaddressing current concerns in pig farming and to further improve animalwelfare in pig production across different management types.

Harvard Citation style: Diehl, B., Oster, M., Vernunft, A., Wimmers, K. and Bostedt, H. (2022) Intrinsic challenges of neonatal adaptation in swine, Archives Animal Breeding = Archiv Tierzucht, 65(4), pp. 427-438. https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-65-427-2022

APA Citation style: Diehl, B., Oster, M., Vernunft, A., Wimmers, K., & Bostedt, H. (2022). Intrinsic challenges of neonatal adaptation in swine. Archives Animal Breeding = Archiv Tierzucht. 65(4), 427-438. https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-65-427-2022