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Pig Journal Volume: 57
Publication date: May 2006

Proceedings Section

NEVER TOO OLD TO WEAN?
H.L. Edge, S.A. Edwards, M. Brade, K. Hillman, W.D. Strachan, C.A. Morgan, A. Stewart, L. Taylor, and C.M. Theobold

Abstract
Increasing weaning age may offer a possible solution to the increased health challenges to the newly weaned pig posed by the forthcoming ban on in- feed antibiotic growth promoters. However, this strategy would also have potential consequences for sow reproductive output, as well as other aspects of the farm production system. The AGEWEAN project seeks to investigate the effect of weaning age in both indoor and outdoor systems on lifetime performance of the sow and progeny, cost of production and environmental impact. Six farms are carrying out a contemporary comparison of sows weaned at 4, 6 or 8 weeks of age. Results at this preliminary stage from the first parity animals show no overall benefits in pig performance from birth to slaughter which would offset reduced sow output. However, final conclusions should not be drawn until the trial is completed.

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