For a sow’s mammary gland to work efficiently it should have been suckled in the previous lactation, says Paul Thompson, veterinary consultant to pig-breeding company, ACMC Ltd.
He points out that glands not suckled in a previous lactation have been shown to be less productive than those which have. It is, therefore, recommended that gilts should be given a full litter to rear — as long as attention is paid to the feeding of the gilt to ensure this does not result in an excessive drain on body reserves.
