Higher feed intake in early stages gives benefits until slaughter
Published: 2024-04-22
The greater the feed consumption in the initial week following weaning, the more favorable the overall growing-finishing results tend to be. Thus, how might we enhance feed intake after weaning?
It is well-known that piglets become more proficient at consuming feed in the farrowing pen, their growth accelerates once they are moved to the nursery of course with the condition that they keep a sufficient level of feed intake.
First of all, colostrum stands as an excellent source of nutrition immediately post-farrowing. Rich in antibodies, it confers vital protection against potential diseases within the herd. In the initial 24 hours, these antibodies can traverse the newborn's intestinal wall directly into the bloodstream, mitigating the risk of illness. Subsequently, the sow's milk should remain accessible for the first three weeks.
Consuming creep feed during lactation stimulates feed intake and growth after weaning, leading to higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) in the initial days post-weaning – see figure below. This also results in increased total body weight gain in piglets that consume the feed. Additionally, reports are indicating that piglets exposed to creep feed early on tend to adapt to solid diets sooner and begin consuming them shortly after weaning. However, it's important to note that not all piglets within a litter consume creep feed; typically, only approximately 40% to 60% of piglets are categorized as creep-feed eaters (Source: Management and Feeding Strategies in Early Life to Increase Piglet Performance and Welfare around Weaning: A Review, Blavi et al., Animals, 2021).
Ganna Kirianova
Nutritionist
gaki@vilomix.dk
+45 2981 0171
Figure 1: Eaters VS Non-Eaters (average daily feed intake, average daily gain after weaning)
The test showed that pigs given wet feed as supplementary feed in the farrowing pen... the final weight at 9 weeks was approx. 1 kg higher for pigs fed with wet feed than for pigs fed with dry feed in the piggery (notice 1240, SEGES, 2021).
To teach piglets to eat dry feed a sprinkle of creep feed can be introduced to the floor from the second week following farrowing. Placing it near the sow's head prompts her to initiate feeding, setting an example for the piglets to follow suit. Once the piglets grasp the concept of eating, the feed can be poured into floor feeders. Utilizing long troughs allows multiple piglets to feed simultaneously. All feed must be consumed within half an hour of distribution to uphold hygiene standards and prevent bacterial proliferation.
During the initial 20 days, a mere handful of feed – roughly 150-200g – sufficiently caters to the needs of 12 piglets. By day 24, these same piglets will have increased their intake to 600-800g. Introducing creep feed intake during suckling primes the piglets for heightened feed consumption in the immediate aftermath of weaning, fostering greater daily weight gain early on.
Figure 2. Dry feed intake of pre-weaned piglets in grams per day (Source: Landbrugsinfo)
Before weaning, the average piglet grows about 250 g/day and should consume around 500 grams of feed to stimulate the production of necessary digestive enzymes and learn to eat dry feed. Age is a crucial factor in the weaning process, ensuring the optimal function of piglets' digestive and immune systems. Older piglets, typically aged three to four weeks, tend to adapt better to the transition to the nursery unit than younger ones.
The test showed that pigs given wet feed as supplementary feed in the farrowing pen (from day 9 after farrowing to weaning) had higher daily gain from day 3 until 9 weeks of age than pigs given dry feed in the farrowing pen. This meant that the final weight at 9 weeks was approx. 1 kg higher for pigs fed with wet feed than for pigs fed with dry feed in the piggery (notice 1240, SEGES, 2021).
After weaning, piglets experience significant stress, beginning with their removal from the sow and relocation. Therefore, it's vital to manage this transition calmly to minimize stress. Upon relocation, piglets need time to adjust to new feeding and watering locations, possibly leading to a temporary decrease in feed intake. Providing easy access to feed and water is crucial to ease their adjustments. While piglets are used to feeding from the ground or troughs, they may struggle with automated feeders and need assistance finding and using drinking nipples.
Therefore, scattering feed on the ground and adding extra water troughs during the initial week are helpful strategies.
We also recommend milk soup/gruel feed - to mix a small amount of milk replacer Elitemilk Pigi with water and pre-starter feed to create a porridge-like consistency for better feed consumption and utilization. Many of our customers introduce gruel feed in the farrowing pen, which positively affects piglets' appetite and growth, preparing them better for weaning.
And even though preparing and distributing gruel feed or milk soup for the piglets demands time, it ultimately streamlines the management and care of pigs in the weaning unit. And remember that hygiene standards is crucial: ensuring that feed is fresh and provided in quantities promptly consumed by the piglets to prevent spoilage.
| Age. days | Weight, Kg | Feed consumption/kg/day |
| 27 | 7 | 0,43 |
| 28 | 7,3 | 0,45 |
| 29 | 7,5 | 0,46 |
| 30 | 7,8 | 0,47 |
| 31 | 8,1 | 0,49 |
| 32 | 8,4 | 0,50 |
| 33 | 8,7 | 0,51 |
| 34 | 9 | 0,53 |
| 41 | 11,4 | 0,64 |
| 48 | 14,1 | 0,76 |
| 55 | 17,3 | 0,89 |
| 62 | 20,8 | 1,03 |
| 67 | 24,8 | 1,18 |
| 73 | 29,1 | 1,34 |
Table 1. Example of feeding curve for piglets with expected growth 450 g/day from weaning to 30 kg.
Figure 3. Approximate growth chart of piglets up to 30 kg
Gastrointestinal tracts are still under development when piglets are weaned. And it is crucial to keep feed intake (constant nutrient supply) and avoid emptying the intestine. This ensures proper development and height of gastrointestinal villi and good absorption of nutrients.
At Vilomix, we have developed feed solutions that focus on piglet well-being and gastrointestinal development. Our pre-starters and concentrates have been successfully tried and tested without zinc oxide in the mix.
Any questions?
Please contact one of our nutritionists in Vilomix.
A good prestarter pays off in the long run
Practical experiences show savings of 0.03 EUR/kg growth from 6 – 30 kg and more than 3 kg higher weight when leaving the early weaning unit.
Feed intake the first 14 days is crucial to the subsequent welfare of the pig, and higher daily gain makes good financial sense.
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