To determine the specialty management tools that increase weaning weights. Use cross fostering to keep litter sizes even, one extra pig in the litter will reduce weaning weights by 0.4 kg per pig.
Small pigs benefit from split nursing.
When all of the pigs are born, take the largest pigs away from the sow for an hour, leaving the smallest pigs to suckle colostrum without competition. Keep the large pigs in a box, under a heat lamp so they will not get chilled. Pigs castrated later in life were 0.2 kg heavier at weaning. By waiting an extra day you will add 0.2 kg at weaning and reduce the chance the pigs will develop scours. Pigs castrated before 4 days of age miss some nursing opportunities.