The number of piglets born alive per litter was recorded and litter weight was measured at days 0,9 and at weaning. Piglets were weighed collectively in their litters in a portable box scale. Cross fostering of piglets occurred within treatment and within three days of farrowing; cross fostered piglets were individually weighed, and weights were deducted from original litters and added to their respective new ones. Litter gain (LG) was calculated as the change in litter weight from day 0,9 and weaning, adjusted for the number of piglets per litter at each point.