Applying split suckling to piglets

The  number of live born piglets has been increasing for years, for a pig farmer this brings with it the necessary challenges. To ensure that each piglet takes in sufficient colostrum and to help even the smallest piglets to get enough colostrum, split suckling can be applied. The importance of sufficient colostrum has been demonstrated several times, read this article about it: the importance of colostrum. But how do you ensure as a pig farmer that each piglet has taken in sufficient colostrum?

The importance of colostrum in newborn piglets

First of all, briefly, why is colostrum so important? For a newborn piglet, drinking colostrum is crucial for a healthy start in life. Piglets are born without antibodies against germs and they only get these antibodies through the intake of colostrum. Colostrum contains valuable nutrients and antibodies that promote the immunity and overall growth of the piglets.  To ensure that piglets benefit optimally from this essential source of nutrition, here are a number of tips and facts for good colostrum intake in the farrowing pen.

Split suckling

Split suckling is a method to ensure that all newborn piglets receive sufficient colostrum. A sow produces an average of between 3 and 4 kg of colostrum, and with litters becoming larger, this must be divided among more and more piglets. To ensure that every piglet gets the chance to take in colostrum, even the smaller piglets, you apply split suckling. You do this by separating (splitting) the piglets that were born first and have taken in colostrum for a short period of time.

How do I apply split suckling?

Whether or not to use split suckling differs per situation and company. First, it is important to keep a close eye on the sows that are farrowing and to be present in the farrowing pen. Strip the piglets that were born first per litter. If the number of live-born piglets increases with the sow, split suckling can be used. In addition, you assess the number of properly functioning teats of the sow. If there are enough properly functioning teats and all piglets can find the udder, split suckling is not necessary.

When there are more live born piglets and the smaller piglets do not get a chance to the udder, split suckling is very effective. By placing the piglets that were born first (and provided with a stripe) separately for 2 to 3 hours, under a heat source, the smaller piglets also get the chance to take in colostrum. Then you swap the piglets with the piglets born later. Pay close attention to the belly filling of the piglets. This is an important indicator to determine whether the piglet has actually taken in colostrum.

Customization and advice

The application of split suckling is very company-specific, which is why it is discussed here in broad terms. We would like to look together at your company how we can apply it. If you are interested in customized advice, please fill in the form below and we will contact you!