Impact of first parity litter size on sow stayability and lifetime production

To increase production level increase of number of piglets born per litter has been one of the main breeding goals during the last decades. The negative welfare consequences on piglets being born in a large litter are well known while the welfare impacts on sows that produce large litters are more uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of first parity litter size on sow stayability and lifetime production. Sows having a small (<12 piglets total born; SL) or medium (12-14 piglets total born; ML) first parity litter size had significantly (p <0.001) more litters before end of production than sows having a large (>14 piglets total born; LL) first parity litter size. Sows with LL was significant (p<0.001) less likely to have a second litter than sows with SL and ML. Sows with SL and ML had the highest lifetime production of weaned piglets. The results of this study indicate that it is important take first parity litter size into account when assessing sow welfare and profitability in commercial piglet producing herds. Having a SL or ML was found to have a positive effect on sow stayability and lifetime production.