Neonatal Pig: Development and Survival

The pig industry is among the most technologically advanced of all the animal industries. Despite this, mortality is about 12% of all piglets born alive. This figure has not altered substantially in recent years, and is considerably higher than for other farm animals. The biology of neonatal mortality in pigs has generally been poorly understood. There is therefore a great need for information on this subject and this book is the first to provide a comprehensive review. The book is divided into three main parts, covering: genetics and physiology of the neonatal pig; the gut and nutrition; and diseases, behaviour and husbandry. Although single factors are often ascribed as the cause of death, it is often the case that there are multifactorial components involved. Written by leading authors from Europe, North America and Australia, the book is invaluable for advanced students, research workers, practitioners and advisers in animal science, veterinary medicine and the pig industry.