Just What is Considered ‘Early’ Weaning?
Traditional or Conventional Weaning > 18 d
Ultra-Early Weaning < 14 d
Concept:
- Block vertical transmission of some pathogens to improve pig health status, increase ADG, FE, and reduce mortality
- Combine with segregation (SEW) to keep ‘immunologically naïve’ pigs ‘naïve’
25% of farms ? 16.2 d lactation and average was 18.9 d in the US database (PigCHAMP®, 1999)