A COMPARISON OF ISOTOPE DILUTION AND WEIGH-SUCKLE-WEIGH METHODS FOR ESTIMATING MILK INTAKE BY PIGS

Abstract
Isotope dilution estimates of milk consumption were 11.9% lower when weigh-suckle-weigh estimates were being made, suggesting that disruption of piglets and sows caused by the weigh-suckle-weigh method reduced milk consumption. Without correction for metabolic and salivary losses, the weigh-suckle-weigh method underestimated consumption. Key words: Piglet, sow, milk intake, milk production, weigh-suckle-weigh, deuterium oxide