Using Exploratory Behavior to Increase Pre-Weaning Creep Consumption

Posted in: Pork Insight Articles, Prairie Swine Centre, Production by student on June 19, 2018

Author: Yolande Seddon and Jennifer Brown

Publication: Centred on Swine, Winter 2016 Volume 22 Number 2

Summary:

This trial investigated if feed consumption both before and after weaning could be increased through stimulating exploratory behavior in piglets. This study question which method would be the best to stimulate exploratory behavior, through the provision of enrichment or through the use of creep feed.

 

The study concluded that when comparing a large tray feeder to that of a standard feeder, the large tray feeder was more effective at encouraging social feeding and therefor attracting the piglets to creep. The large tray feeder was also more effective than the enrichment, which was a rope that was hung in the farrowing crate.

 

The tray feeder before weaning also had a positive growth effect on piglets immediately following weaning. It is likely that these growth benefits arose from piglets more readily taking to solid food post weaning as they had already been exposed to it.

 

These results are favorable as piglets with a reduced growth check post weaning are less likely to have a reduced immune response, making them better prepared for immune challenge.

 Using Exploratory Behavior to Increae Pre-Weaning Creep Consumption

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