There can be a lot of variability with sows and the birth weight of their piglets, and birthweight is typically inversely correlated to number of piglets born. When a sow has a large litter, chances are she will also have a few low birth weight piglets.  Low birth weight piglets have less chance of surviving, and their growth performance is compromised. Smaller piglets don’t have the resources they need to keep up with their larger littermates and are more susceptible to pathogens that can have an impact on their vigor or survivability. Smaller piglets don’t have the resources and energy they need to help them keep warm, they will have trouble competing for the best teat, and they may even have trouble suckling, decreasing their ability to get colostrum into them.  They need extra support in order to keep up with their littermates. 

MSP[RS] Resistant Starch can help to support these low birth weight piglets, and has been found to help provide the energy and resources these animals need to catch up with their littermates. When fed to them ad libitum in a bowl immediately after birth it can help to provide them the resources they need to compete with their littermates. Resistant starch helps to develop the microbiome, ensuring these animals are more resilient, and can help to curb serious infections from taking hold. Many producers find that these animals catch up and are the same weight as their littermates by weaning.