TN Duroc
The Critical Role
of Colostrum Intake
TN Duroc piglets are strong and active immediately after birth, primarily due to their high birth weights. This strength allows them to quickly reach the udder and consume a significant amount of colostrum. This capability is a result of their Early Phase Vitality, a unique characteristic that is an essential component of Topigs Norsvin’s breeding program.
A piglet must ingest 8.5 oz / 250 ml of colostrum from its mother immediately after birth. This uptake must occur as soon as possible because the intestines of newborn piglets only allow immunoglobulins in colostrum to pass through for a limited time—typically just a few hours. The energy boost provided by colostrum is essential for kickstarting a newborn piglet’s development. Therefore, it is vital that piglets consume an adequate amount of colostrum, preferably from their own mother, within the first 24 hours after birth.
Building Resilience
Colostrum plays a vital role in the proper development of a piglet’s immune system. It is rich in energy, valuable nutrients, and antibodies that enhance the piglets’ immunity and promote growth. Because TN Duroc piglets can absorb colostrum quickly and maximally, they effectively replenish their energy supply, boost their health, and build strong resistance. This solid foundation gives them the strength to thrive from the moment they are born.
A strong start with adequate colostrum intake ensures that piglets are robust and able to handle health challenges not only during the farrowing phase but throughout their lives, including in the nursery and finishing phases. This contributes to higher survival rates and efficient production of high-quality number one slaughter pigs.
Efficiency for Pig Producers
A strong start from proper colostrum intake also leads to lower labor requirements. With fewer time-consuming care efforts needed for weak piglets and related issues in the first few days after farrowing, producers can operate more efficiently.
This reduced labor need extends throughout the production process, facilitating a smooth transition from nursery to finishing stages. The natural robustness and higher health of the piglets result in fewer health problems and lower mortality, which can mitigate operational costs associated with medication, losses, and decreased growth and feed efficiency. It also saves valuable time in pig farming.
In summary
Early Phase Vitality emphasizes the critical importance of colostrum intake, contributing to more efficient management of barn employees by making it easier to care for the pigs and allowing operations to run smoothly. This efficiency contributes to a higher employee retention rate within the barn.
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