How to feed piglets better for maximum growth.

How to feed piglets better for maximum growth.

Despite the advances in technology, research, and experience, post-weaning feed intake remains low compared to the genetic growth potential of early-weaned pigs (weaned at 21-28 days of age). This persistent and expensive problem is a side effect of early weaning, but is also due to problems in feed presentation and overall management. 

  Under modern commercial conditions, most pigs experience some degree of post-weaning appetite depression. This invariably increases production cost and hampers performance and profitability throughout the finishing stage. 

Today, even in the best managed facilities, it is not uncommon for some pigs to starve for as long as three to five days after weaning, whereas others may start eating a few minutes after placement in the nursery. 

 The reasons for post-weaning anorexia are many and complex. The consensus is that weaned pigs do not eat because of radical changes in their feeding behavior, and feed form and composition after weaning.

 Prior to weaning, the sow is responsible for feeding the piglets at regular and frequent intervals, whereas communal liquid feeding is the norm for piglets. 

 After weaning, the same piglets are faced not only with a stressful physical and social environment, but also with the decision of when and how much to feed by themselves. To make things worst, where water was provided in conjunction with solid matter in sow’s milk, now the weaned pig needs to distinguish between thirst and hunger and also to realize that these needs must be satisfied via separate media. 

                  How to ensure high feed intake. 

. Ensuring a high feed intake during the early post-weaning period is highly important. Research and experience has repeatedly demonstrated that low feed intake during the early post-weaning period severely limits growth potential, increases temperature and management requirements, intensifies morbidity and mortality, and reduces turnover of facilities and capital.

 In general, for every 100 g of extra feed per day consumed during the first week post-weaning, body weight increases by 1 to 2 kg at the end of the fourth week post-weaning.

 This has a dramatic effect on overall performance during the growing-finishing period as pigs that barely maintain their weaning weight during the first week post-weaning may require an extra 10 to 20 days to reach market weight compared to pigs that grow at their pre-weaning gain rates during the same period.