Management of Pigs Prior To and Immediately Following Weaning at Four Weeks of Age

Baby pig management at weaning remains the weak link in most swine operations. The pig\u27s management requirements remain as high at this stage of growth as they are when the pigs are on the show. Stress from improper nutrition, housing, temperature and ventilation as well as from establishing a new social order among regrouped pigs may affect performance and health problems of this young pig. Much is still to be learned about proper management which will minimize stress. South Dakota State University is cooperating with out Land Grant colleges in the North Central Region to evaluate the practice of intermingling litters prior to weaning to learn if the stress of weaning can be reduced the data presented herein are the results of the first trial