How Piglet Milk Feeding Strategies Impact Growth and Health

When it comes to feeding strategies for piglet milk, farmers face an important decision. There are many factors to consider, such as hygiene, management, labor, and ensuring feed efficiency while preventing overfeeding. Each aspect plays a role in determining the best approach. But first, let’s dive into the potential effects of two key feeding strategies on piglet performance: restricted feeding versus semi-ad-lib feeding. Understanding how these methods impact growth and health can help you make the best choice for your farm.

Restricted versus semi-ad-lib

To see if there is a difference in performance between these two application strategies a trial was set up at the Pig Farm (part of the Denkafarm Innovation Centre) where piglets were fed in two ways:

1. Restricted: Piglets were fed a piglet milk replacer, mixed at a concentration of 150 g/L, provided manually under a restricted schedule application from day 2 of age until day 22
2. Semi-ad-lib*: Piglets were fed a piglet milk replacer, mixed at a concentration of 150 g/L under a semi-ad-lib application from day 2 of age until day 22

Alongside the piglet milk application, creep feed was provided to both groups ad libitum from day 6 after birth to weaning on day 27.

*Semi-ad-lib: milk provided according to a specific daily number of applications close to/up to the quantity the animal is expected to consume at free choice. It is not considered ad-lib, because animals do not have free access to feed/milk, since the feed or milk may not be continuously present in the feeder.

Any effects during the suckling period (before weaning)?

During the trial, the effect on feed intake and body weight of the piglets pre-weaning was measured and can be observed in Table 1. On the question if there were any effects seen between the two feeding strategies the answer is, Yes!

The piglets fed under semi-ad-lib application had a significantly higher total dry product piglet milk intake from day 2 to day 22 than the restricted group (169 vs. 397 g/ piglet). In addition, piglets fed under semi-ad-lib application also had a higher total creep feed intake from day 6 to 27 at weaning (689 vs. 812 g/piglet). Therefore, semi-ad-lib-fed piglets consumed 29% more dry product (milk and creep feed) over the entire test period than restricted piglets (858 vs. 1208 g/piglet).

*= significant difference

As expected, having a greater milk and creep feed intake over the entire test period positively affected body weight at weaning. Semi-ad-lib fed piglets were 0.4 kg heavier than piglets fed piglet milk under the restricted application.

Another interesting benefit we’ve noticed is how a semi-ad-lib feeding schedule positively impacts the sows. By allowing piglets to feed semi-ad-lib, the sows had less weight loss during lactation. This approach gives piglets enough nourishment to thrive without relying entirely on the milk produced by the sow, which in turn allows the sow to conserve her resources. As a result, the sow’s body condition improves after lactation, setting her up for better health and productivity in the long run. This method not only helps the piglets reach their full potential but also keeps the sows in better shape.

What about the effect after weaning?

The benefits of providing piglet milk on a semi-ad-lib basis continued to show during the critical first week after weaning (1-8 days post-weaning). Piglets that were better prepared by a higher dry product intake before weaning displayed a higher growth rate during this phase post-weaning (135 vs. 151 g/ piglet/day). While their feed intake was slightly higher throughout the total trial (612 vs. 631 g/ piglet/ day), the consistent increase in weight gain resulted in a notable difference. At the end of the entire period (days 1-36), piglets that were fed semi-ad-lib weighed an average of 0.6 kg more than those in the other group (24.4 kg vs. 25.0 kg per piglet). This shows how semi-ad-lib feeding can give piglets a stronger start and better overall growth.

Conclusion

For successfully applying the semi-ad-lib feeding strategy at your farm, make sure this feeding strategy also fits the management of your farm. A restricted application is more easily executable by (inexperienced) farm workers, whereas a semi-ad lib application requires some experience with feeding piglet milk but will enable optimal performance. As this trial showed, feeding piglets semi-ad-lib has clear benefits for piglets and indirectly also for the sows. Semi-ad-lib feeding during the suckling phase not only increased piglet milk intake but also boosted total creep feed consumption throughout the period.

This approach led to piglets that were 0.4 kg heavier at weaning and were better prepared for weaning. These piglets also showed a higher growth rate in the first 8 days after weaning. Overall, providing piglet milk semi-ad-lib ensures optimal performance, enabling piglets to grow stronger and healthier.

Moreover, this feeding strategy supports the sow by reducing weight loss during lactation, which can indirectly improve fertility. By supporting both piglets and sows, semi-ad-lib feeding proves to be a valuable strategy for enhancing overall farm productivity.