Vitalite Energy Piglet

First day Energy Piglet

The first 24 hours following birth represent a critical period in the life of a pig. A neonate piglet’s survival is a major problem especially during the first days of its life. Piglets are born deficient of energy.  At the same time the requirement for energy is high because of its intense physical activity, and for its thermoregulation (high surface to body mass ratio).  

Moreover, with highly prolific sows, piglets have to compete with numerous and variable littermates for a teat to suckle. Deviations in a piglet’s body weight at birth associated with increased litter size, sow nutrition and management, together with other factors, lead to a high pre-weaning mortality, especially during the first days of a piglet’s life. Pre-weaning mortality (PWM) remains an unsolved economic and welfare problem in pig production.

Many attempts have been made to identify the cause and key factors in PWM. Starvation leading to hypoglycemia, diarrhea and crushing are generally reported as the main direct cause of mortality. Additionally, exposure to cold after birth increases the energy requirement and makes the problem worse. By giving the animal its first day energy, it is able to tolerate cold, find and compete for nipples with littermates and be more reactive (reduced chance of crushing.)

The energy demand of piglets to avoid hypothermia in the first postnatal 24 hours, can be avoided through external nutrient sources. It will also allow piglets to have better access to colostrum, which plays an essential role in piglet survival.  Protein rich and energy filled nutritional supplements given during the first 24 – 48 hours post farrowing may allow utilization of colostrum to potentiate the immune response in piglets and the acquisition of passive immunity. This in turn improves the vitality of piglets and reduces pre-weaning mortality.