Video: The impact of the number of sow functional teats on piglet colostrum intake - Dr. Mark Knauer
As the swine industry continues to evolve, the focus on optimizing sow productivity is becoming more crucial. Recent research spearheaded by Dr. Mark Knauer, a Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, offers insightful perspectives in this regard. Dr. Knauer's research indicates that while pig geneticists have made successful strides in increasing litter size and the number of functional teeth in sows, the increase in functional teeth has not kept up with litter size. This disparity highlights a significant issue: the larger the litter size, the less colostrum per piglet is available for intake. The crucial role of colostrum for a piglet's health and survival underscores the significance of this problem.