This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of creep feed frequency on pre- and post-weaning performance and behavior of piglet and sows. A total of 30 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) and their litters were employed in this study. Sows were randomly assigned with 1, 2 or 3 + parities into 1 of 3 treatments. Dietary treatments included: 1) CON, creep feeding 3 times daily; 2) TRT1, creep feeding 4 times daily; 3) TRT2, creep feeding 5 times daily. The behavior of sows (nursery, eating and standing) and piglets (eating, sleeping and fighting) in each treatment was observed throughout experiment. Each piglet was weighted on 0, 21 day (weaning) and 7 d after weaning to evaluate average daily gain (ADG). Sows and piglet were bled on the weaning day to evaluate the blood characteristics. Back fat and estrus interval were investigated to evaluate the effect of dietary frequency on the sows. In this study, varying creep feed frequency did not affect the pre-weaning and post-weaning piglet growth performance (P > 0.05) in the present study. Pig with different frequency did not affect (P > 0.05) the IgG, epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol concentration (P < 0.05), as well as the post-weaning diarrhea scores and behaviors in the current study. Moreover, creep feeding frequency did not affect (P > 0.05) the weaning-to-estrus interval and backfat loss of sows. Varying dietary frequency did not affect the cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine in sows. No differences (P > 0.05) in eating, or standing times, nor backfat loss during lactation were noted in the current study. In conclusion, varying creep feeding frequency did not affect the performance and behavior of piglet and sow in this study. 1347423129.php
Creep feed: effects of feed frequency on pre-weaning and post-weaning performance and behavior of piglet and sow
Date : 2012-10-23 Volume : 4