Is there an advantage to stomach tubing the neonatal pig with a “sugar” solution?
Nursing the sow and consuming colostrum shortly after birth is critical for pigs of any birth weight. Lightweight pigs have a minimal amount of energy stores at birth and can become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) shortly after birth if they don’t receive adequate nourishment. Research has demonstrated that administering a carbohydrate (e.g., dextrose) directly into the stomach of lightweight pigs can improve their survivability. In contrast, heavier-weight pigs can survive for a longer time without nursing and should not need a supplemental sugar source. Table sugar (i.e., sucrose) is not an acceptable sugar source and may cause extreme diarrhea and possible death of the neonatal pig, whereas glucose (hydrolyzed corn starch, dextrose) is a good carbohydrate source. Q. When can pigs be effectively transferred to other sows, and what management techniques are effective in improving the chances of success? Pigs should be transferred within one to three days after farrowing in order to pro
