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Evaluating Underline Quality
Gilts need to have good underlines to raise large litters
of pigs, thus, teat accessibility, teat numbers, teat
size, and teat placement is critical for proper function.
Both rows of teats should point directly downward so
they are completely accessible when the sow lies on
her side. A good underline will have 6 to 7 teats on
each side, with the teats spaced 2.5 to 3.0 inches apart.
This allows for maximum mammary tissue development to
feed the piglets and space for the piglets to nurse.
The ideal teat size should be about the size of a pencil
eraser so it will easily fit into the piglet's mouth.
Some problems that can occur regarding teat structure
include pin, blind, or inverted nipples. A pin nipple
is a small (half the normal size or less) nipple between
two normal teats that does not give milk. A blind nipple
is one that looks like it has a BB at skin level in
the end of the teat, giving it a flat look. An inverted
nipple is one in which the BB is pushed up into the
body cavity, leaving the look of a hole at the end of
the nipple.
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