Development of standard protocols that apply to all pigs must always recognize the unique needs of different sub-groups within the total weekly weaning. Nonetheless, as more research on critical topics such as the thermal environment, housing and feed management and nutrition, advances can be made. Clearly, improvements achieved in nursery management will pay big dividends in terms of overall performance, including that in grow out.

Failure to manage the nursery properly may cause any number of problems, including

• increased mortality
• lower nursery exit weights
• Higher feed conversations
• increased medication to handle individual and group health problems
• lower ADG and higher cost per kg of gain