3 strategies for successful piglet creep feeding.

3 strategies for successful piglet creep feeding.Understanding when creep feeding is working and when it is not can create savings or performance potential on any pig farm. 1) Creep feeding and weaning age. The first of such condition is the weaning age of the piglets. For piglets to fully benefit from creep feeding, they must have sufficient time to consume about 500 grams of feed before weaning. When pigs are weaned at 15-18 days of age, creep feed intake is rarely over 100 grams per pig. Thus, the only benefit that can be claimed is that pigs at least realize pellets or dry meal as a form of nourishment. But there is one big problem following such limited and early exposure to dry feed, in that the gastrointestinal system might be prematurely triggered to a delayed hypersensitivity reaction if the feed contains any source of soybeans. This usually manifests itself in the form of profuse diarrhea after weaning when pigs start consuming larger quantities of feed while any protective effect of mother’s milk is removed. Thus, for very early-weaned pigs, it is best not to offer any creep feed at all. In contrast, when weaning weights must be boosted, it is strongly advised to offer them a milk re-placers. In contrast, when pigs are weaned at approximately 25 days of age, creep feed intake approaches the limit of 500 grams of pigs, bypassing the danger of delayed hypersensitivity reaction. In this case, pigs not only become rapidly accustomed to consuming dry feed, but they are also weaned markedly heavier. Based on research and experience, it can be said that creep feeding can be associated with as much as an extra kilogram body weight as weaning age approaches 28 days of age. Therefore, with later weaning ages, as currently practiced throughout Europe, creep feeding must be a common feature in all piglet feeding programs. When pigs are weaned at 35 days of age, creep feeding is so successful that it is often advisable to discontinue offering the initial feed after one week and replace it with a less dense/complex diet to prevent pigs from scouring from overfeeding. 2) Management is key Now, the next logical question is "How is it done?" The secret, if there is such a thing, is in the old but wise advice of little and often. Yes, it is labor intensive, and yes, it is not fun after the first few times, but pigs are biological organisms and that’s the way they work. Given spoiled or stale feed they simply refuse to eat it, or even explore it, as long as they have access to mother’s warm milk. Hardly possible to blame them! So, start with a small quantity of fresh creep feed (~50 g) from a newly-opened bag and offer it on an open plate or spread it on their sleeping mat. Preferably do so between sow feeding times because pigs know they are going to get a good milk meal right after the sow eats. Next time around the farrowing barn, clean up any leftovers and replenish with another portion of creep feed, even though some litters did not consume their share. To this end, it’s best for the creep feed to be kept outside the farrowing barn so that it does not pick up the smells pigs are used to. Once piglets consume their allotted portion, it is probably a good time to switch to a less expensive product, or even wean them. And, one final remark: Pigs eating creep feed must also drink fresh water. So, make sure they have access to it all the time and that they know how to use the drinking devices. 3 strategies for successful piglet creep feeding.