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    Highlights from the Think Piglet Health & Nutrition conference

    Published: 16-10-2023

    In September, Danish Agriculture and Food Council held the Think Piglet Health & Nutrition conference in collaboration with Seges Innovation.
     
    The conference's focus was on survival, productivity, health, and welfare of piglets as well as robustness of piglets, and under each of the following 6 main topics, qualified suggestions were given on how we can achieve robust and healthy piglets:
     
    1. Pre-farrowing feeding strategies
    2. Feeding for high milk production
    3. Piglets immunity
    4. Design of the farrowing pen
    5. Management of large litters
    6. Feeding of piglets before weaning
     
    That healthy and robust pigs are achieved by paying attention to the sow's nutrition, health and management is not surprising. Therefore, emphasis was placed on feeding strategies and milk production in the hyper-prolific sow, where the stages of pregnancy and nutritional needs were cited based on current research in the field.
     
    Different means of action were discussed, including there was an agreement that supplementation of Omega 3 fatty acids can have a positive influence on birth weight and the health of the sow. Around farrowing, the sow has an increased need for energy, which is why at least three daily feedings have proven to be appropriate, and where it is ensured that the sow is allocated fiber and starch. Fiber must be increased to ensure a good farrowing and avoid constipation.

    Kristina Sørensen
    Product Manager, pigs
    + 45 2144 3628
    krso@vilomix.dk

    One of the topics dealt with the design of the farrowing pen to achieve optimal conditions for both sows and pigs, with a predominant focus on farrowing/lactation pens for free-ranging sows. Different sizes and designs were discussed according to the number of pigs (5.5 m2 – 6.5 m2), and how the different designs of pens influence the behavior of the sow.

    One of the last topics presented at the conference was feeding pigs before weaning. It was emphasized how important it is to prepare the pig with feed before weaning, to facilitate the transition from milk to solid feed. Feed contributes to the development of digestion and the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it may be worth supplementing with extra milk.

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