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Breeding and genetics Nutrition Aquaculture and Fisheries Adaptation Physiology Cell Biology and Immunology Experimental Zoology Department of Animal Science Wageningen University

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Intermittent suckling: possibilities to establish pregnancy during lactation & benefits to piglets Marieke Berkeveld Rosemarijn Gerritsen Pieter Langendijk In cooperation with Veterinary Faculty in Utrecht

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Weaning-induced growth check after Weary et al., 2002 weaning

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Bruininx et al., 2002 Feed intake shortly after weaning Many piglets hardly eat after weaning

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Weaning related problems, due to age at weaning not familiar with dry feed Possible solution: Make pigs familiar with dry feed before weaning

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Intermittent suckling: Suckling inhibited for 12 h per day from D14 of lactation

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Feed intake before and after weaning Eat before weaning = eat after weaning Kuller et al., 2000

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Feed intake before and after weaning Kuller et al., 2000

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Distribution of feed intake during lactation Kuller et al., 2000 Intermittent suckling increases feed intake during lactation

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Intermittent suckling increases feed intake during lactation, But weaning at conventional age still induces a growth check Possible solution: Also extend lactation without postponing next pregnancy

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Growth in the IS model

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Feed intake in the IS model

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Relative growth from milk and dry feed

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Conclusions Intermittent suckling results in better adaptation to weaning: Feed intake at weaning is considerably higher than normally There is hardly any growth check at weaning If sow is mated, lactation can be extended Consequences for reproduction ?

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SourceStage of lactation h IS/day Boar contact? Sows in estrus Crighton, 1970D21-D3112yes1/5 Stevenson and Davis, 1984D14-D28 6 12 no 13/20 5/10 Grinwich and McKay, 1985D21-D35 3 22 yes