Sow and litter performance studies in Queensland

Abstract

The food consumption, weight changes, and performance of sows and their litters was recorded in herds at three research stations in Queensland. The studies involved different breeds and were based on results from a four year period ending in March 1963. The food consumption during gestation had a highly significant influence on the body weight of the sows at all points in their reproductive cycle and also influenced the average birthweight of the pigs. Other nonsignificant trends are also examined and details of performance outlined.