Getting young piglets off to a good start benefits producers in the long run. Healthy piglets grow swiftly and consistently – which means that producers have to make sure that in the first crucial weeks the piglets receive the nutrition they need. New insights, ideas and developments will be highlighted in this special themed page.GENERAL ARTICLES:
Introduction to piglet nutrition: Back to the basics!
To overcome the problems associated with early weaning we should have a closer look at nutrition. There is a lot to learn but we do have to understand the basics. Growing piglets require the perfect feed but what is perfect?.
By Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis, international consulting nutritionist, Ariston Nutrition, Madrid, Spain
Feeding technology for modern piglet rearing
Housing and feed are important elements during weaning, but feeding young piglets requires specific feeding systems and management strategies. Modern feeding systems have shown to support the pig farmer to better control post weaning stress and loss in daily gain.
By Dr. Anne Elkmann and Norbert Bärlein, Big Dutchman, Germany
Pig nutrition: More than just food
The first two months of a piglet’s life is decisive for the performance during the rest of its existence. During that time it has to develop a digestive system which initially is made to digest milk to a gut that can deal with grain based nutrients. Understanding this transformation process and providing the right food supports the development of a healthy pig.
By Dr Alejandro Ramirez, DVM, MPH, Diplomate ACVPM, Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, USA
Aspects of creep feeding not to ignore
John Gadd, in his early career as technical director of Britain’s largest pig farm, introduced creep feeding to them, but soon ran into all sorts of objections both from the owner and the farm staff. These were eventually overcome by much better performance to slaughter. Since then he has taken a detailed interest in all aspects of creep feeding when visiting expert breeders in 32 countries worldwide.
By John Gadd
Feeding hyperprolific sows to improve piglet vitality
Litter size and numbers of weaned piglets from hyperprolific sows differ a lot. A reduction in young piglet mortality requires better sow feeding and management prior as well as post-farrowing.
By Dr Nathalie Quiniou, Agro. Ing., IFIP, France
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