在大多数商业猪肉生产系统中,猪的断奶是在相当年轻的年龄进行的突然事件,即,大多在2.5到5周龄之间。这种做法会引起应激反应,以及它对行为的影响,性能和胃肠道已被很好地描述。历史上,重点关注断奶前和断奶后的营养策略以及断奶后的住房条件和药物,以改善生产并降低断奶后的死亡率。然而,替代的断奶前住房和管理系统,促进断奶前仔猪的自然社会行为的发展,最近受到了更多的关注。断奶前与非同窝人混合是一种旨在在断奶前启动社交互动的策略。在断奶前的时期内,产仔与母猪的分离,称为间歇性哺乳,旨在加强与母猪的逐步分离。此外,这些做法鼓励幼猪学习探索性的营养来源。总之,它们可以减少断奶相关的压力。在这次审查中,这些策略被定义,以及它们对行为的影响,性能,死亡率,描述了胃肠功能和免疫能力。虽然这些策略可以适应商业环境,很明显,许多因素都有助于这些策略的成功。
The weaning of pigs in most commercial pork production systems is an abrupt event performed at a fairly young age, i.e., mostly between 2.5 and 5 weeks of age. This practice induces a stress response, and its impact on behavior, performance and the gastrointestinal tract has been well described. Historically, there has been a focus on pre- and post-weaning nutritional strategies and post-weaning housing conditions and medication to improve production and reduce mortality after weaning. However, alternative pre-weaning housing and management systems that promote the development of natural social behaviors of piglets before weaning have recently received more attention. Co-mingling of non-littermates before weaning is a strategy that aims to initiate social interactions prior to weaning. The separation of the litter from the sow in the period leading up to weaning, termed intermittent suckling, aims to enhance the gradual separation from the sow. In addition, these practices encourage the young pig to learn explorative nutrient sourcing. Altogether, they may reduce weaning-associated stress. In this
review, these strategies are defined, and their effects on behavior, performance, mortality, gastrointestinal function and immunocompetence are described. Though these strategies may be adapted to a commercial setting, it also becomes clear that many factors can contribute to the success of these strategies.