Risk factors associated with suckling vice in post-weaning pigs

Risk factors associated with the suckling vice in post-weaning piglets were studied in an epidemiological survey in 65 swine herds in South Brazil. This follow-up study was performed in one group of piglets from each herd from birth to 21 days post weaning. Every group was composed by piglets from at least six litters. Data related to housing, feeding, breeding practices, internal environment in the weaning facilities and individual piglets performance were collected for descriptive and multiple correspondence analyses. Suckling vice was identified in 23 (35.4%) herds and groups presenting suckling vice had lower growth rates (P<0.005). Main risk factors associated with suckling vice were weaning weight lower than 6.3kg, unavailability of drinkers for piglets in the farrowing house, occurrence of post-weaning diarrhea, post-weaning drinkers of a different model than the ones available during the suckling term, inadequate axis direction of the building, presence of signs of mange, no all-in-all-out procedure in the post-weaning facilities, and the use of feed restriction immediately after weaning. The authors suggest that a correction of these factors would reduce the occurrence of suckling vice in post-weaning piglets and improve their grow rates after weaning.

swine; risk factors; suckling vice