Using LITTER-GRO
The optimal LITTER-GRO feeding program for supplementing sow's milk will vary depending on individual production and management systems. Here are four options to consider for your farm.

Supplement in early lactation
Most preweaning mortality occurs in the first three days after birth. The leading cause of death in baby pigs is being crushed by the sow. In many instances it is because the young pig is too weak to move away in time. By providing LITTER-GRO, these pigs can get extra energy and nutrients to help get them off to a good, healthy start.
- Reduce preweaning mortality
- Reduce fall-behinds
- Reduce variability
- Improve weight gains
- Reduce cross-fostering

Supplement in late lactation
On about day 10 of lactation, the sow cannot produce enough milk to support optimal growth of the young pigs. By supplementing with LITTER-GRO, these pigs get the extra nutrients needed to grow faster - allowing for bigger pigs at weaning.
- Reduce fall behinds
- Larger pigs at weaning
- Reduce cross-fostering
- Reduce holding pigs back because they are not big enough to wean
- Send fewer problem pigs to nursery
- Improve nursery performance

Growth of artificially reared pigs vs. sow reared pigs

Supplement during heat stress
In the summertime, heat stress reduces milk production of sows up to 30% and feed intake of sows 40% or more. However, the baby pig's ability to grow does not change because of a much higher thermoneutral zone (90 to 95oF). This results in pigs that are 4 to 5 pounds lighter in the summer than in the winter. By providing LITTER-GRO during the summer, you can wean pigs at the same weight as in the winter. Additionally, stress on the sows is reduced because the pigs are less hungry. This can result in less sow weight loss, reduced days to return to estrus and more pigs in the subsequent litter.
- Improved pig weight gain
- Wean larger pigs
- Reduced preweaning mortality
- Improve nursery performance
- Reduce days to market
- Improved sow reproductive performance

Supplementing baby pigs (<10 lbs) in the early nursery period
At weaning, the pig encounters many stressors. These include changing from a liquid-based diet to a dry-based diet, changing environments, changing penmates and being removed from "mom."

Pigs under 10 pounds are the most susceptible to being severely affected by these stressors as they do not have the body reserves to help cope during the period of low nutrient supply. Supplementation with LITTER-GRO gets the much needed nutrients and water into these small pigs immediately after weaning, helping them to cope with the other stressors.
- Improved early nursery performance
- Increased weight out of the nursery
- Reduced variability
- Reduced days to market

Effect of using supplemental milk replacer (MR) for small pigs during the early nursery period

MEDICATED
Medicated as an aid in the maintenance of weight gains and feed consumption in the presence of atrophic rhinitis and as an aid in the treatment of bacterial enteritis.