Virginia Tech senior investigates pre-weaning death loss in pigs
In research at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Lexi Clapp discovered that variations in male pigs’ blood chemistry may contribute to their higher mortality rates.
In the commercial pork industry, the pre-weaning deaths of pigs remain a problem that limits farm profitability. Alexis “Lexi” Clapp, a Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences senior majoring in animal and poultry sciences, is researching pre-weaning mortality in pigs, aiming to provide evidence-based insights that could inform future intervention strategies.
After studying research reports that pre-weaning death loss is greater in male versus female pigs, she worked with the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s (AREC) Swine Research Facility to continue investigating for her Capstone Experience project.
“Coming out of high school I knew I wanted to work with large animals,” said Clapp. “From there I was given a great opportunity to work with swine at the Tidewater AREC. Once I started working with the pigs and saw their personalities, I became invested in learning all about them.”
Clapp analyzed records collected at the Tidewater AREC during 2023 and found, consistent with other studies, a statistically significant effect of sex on pre-weaning death loss, with deaths of male piglets almost twice that of females.
Hematology and blood chemistry values play an important role in assessing the health and productivity of farm animals. Clapp hypothesized that hematology and blood chemistry value differences in male versus female pigs may predispose them to pre-weaning death.
During Clapp’s research this past summer, blood samples were collected from 17 similar birth-weight pairs of newborn male and female pigs. Hematology and blood chemistry values were determined using equipment purchased with funds made available by the John Lee Pratt Animal Nutrition Program. She discovered that, compared with female newborn pigs, male pigs had significantly fewer red blood cells, less hemoglobin, a lower hematocrit, and lower concentrations of total protein, albumin, and bilirubin.
These results suggest that altered hematology and blood chemistry values may contribute to the increased death loss observed in male pigs and could contribute basic information that will lead to future intervention strategies.
“This capstone experience was a win-win situation for Lexi and the commercial swine industry,” said Professor and swine physiologist Mark Estienne.
A recipient of the Owen Thomas, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, Clapp will present the results of her experiment later this fall at the School of Animal Sciences Capstone Symposium. Following graduation, she plans to attend veterinary school.
“I hope my capstone project will positively impact animal health and management practices,” said Clapp. “By understanding the physiological differences between male and female piglets, I aim to provide insights that will help pig farmers in the future.”
