Impact of supplemental liquid feed pre-weaning and piglet weaning age on feed intake post-weaning

The impact of weaning age and/or supplemental liquid feed in the farrowing pen on pre- and post-weaning intake was investigated. systems consisted a milk replacer from day 2, changed to cereal-based 12 days after birth. By continuing with same post-weaning, but dry form, we hypothesised that change would be less abrupt increase post-weaning. study 24 sows their litters 2 × factorial design. design factors were (WeaningAge) at either (D24) or 35 (D35) without access supplementary replacer/feed (+SupFeed/-SupFeed). Individual eating behaviour observed video recordings. Results this showed transition during lactation (on 12) caused drop number bouts per piglet ingesting (day 11 compared 13) (p < 0.05). Independent WeaningAge, more seen before piglets lower suckling success WeaningAge D35 D24 shortened latency first observation solid consumption drinking water, weaned had h also increased (24 36 post-weaning) 0.05), 6 0.05) daily amount consumed week Access water within mean frequency pre-weaning (days 11-13) did not affect > 0.1). Nor results present show later weaning, greater extent than pre-weaning, could However, effect gut health diarrhoea needs investigated evaluate whether it is an effective alternative antibiotics medical zinc.