Investing in the future: understanding the benefits of creep feed for newborn piglets
In pig rearing, the pursuit of efficient growth and optimum nutrition is an ever-advancing frontier. Creep feed provision contributes to responsible piglet raising, as it provides support in the farrowing house and eases the post-weaning transition. Early-age piglet feeding has a profound impact on the early development of young animals. Together with the proper care provided, it lays the foundation for their future growth, health and productivity.
The benefits of creep feed provision
Recently Mura et al. (2023) published a systematic review and meta-analysis where 20 publications were analyzed with regard to the creep feeding effects on piglet pre-and post-weaning performance. The analysis indicated that 46% of the studies described a positive effect of creep-feed provision on pre-weaning performance. An improved post-weaning performance was reported in 58% of them.
Without any doubt, the sow’s milk remains the most important nutritional source for the piglet in the farrowing house. The primary goal of creep feed provision after birth is to learn piglets how to eat. Secondly, consuming feed before weaning can accelerate the development of digestive enzymes linked to the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins.
At a certain moment the milk production of a high prolific sow will no longer meet the piglets’ requirements. This is where creep feed becomes a real added value contributing to their growth. In the meta-analysis a significant increased litter weight at weaning was reported for the piglets receiving creep feed. And a clear influencing factor was detected, namely the duration of creep-feed provision. The total consumption of creep feed increased with a longer creep feeding duration (Fig 1, Mura et al 2023), nonetheless no association was found between weaning age and total consumption. A minimum of 14 days creep feed supply was defined to realize a higher body weight at weaning.
Another important motive to present creep feed in the farrowing house is to ease the transition around weaning. This drastic life event comes with a lot of stressors, such as removal from the sow and her milk, introduction in a new environment, etc. The sudden change in diet will run smoothly when the piglets are already used to solid feed. Moreover the diversification of the digestive enzymes is promoted. Kuller et al. (2007) reported an increased net absorption in the small intestine after weaning by creep-feed-consumers. Higher weights, deeper crypts and increase cell-proliferation rates were noted in these small intestines.
One of the challenges linked to creep feeding is that it’s only consumed by a specific portion of piglets within a litter, ranging from 45% to 65%. Research suggests that piglets who actively consume creep feed exhibit superior initial post-weaning feed intake and growth performance compared to their non-consumers. Some practical tips and tricks to increase the intake of creep feed follows below.
Creep feed in practice
The basic rules for creep feed provision are:
- Feed the piglets with fresh creep feed in small portions multiple times a day: as new fresh feed in their feeder will trigger them to explore it.
- Place the feeder in front of the farrowing crate, near the sow’s head: piglets like to copy, as they see the sow eating, they are more likely to eat too.
- Access to fresh drinking water: as eating and drinking goes hand in hand.
- Store the feed correctly: close the bags and store them outside the stable.
- Feed the right product: palatable with highly digestible raw materials suited to their life phase.
Feed right from the start
The Earlyfeed tagline “right from the start” has a double meaning. Right from the start as in early in age ànd with the right products. Feeding right from the start, early in age, will increase feed intake in the farrowing house, as this is positively related with the duration of creep-feed provision. And feed right from the start, as in feed the right products to your piglets. This is where our Earlyfeed product range is designed to meet the needs of young piglets and the farmer. Especially Babito is our attractive creep feed for newborn piglets, created to stimulate early feed intake. Followed by an Earlyfeed prestarter, and a proper management, the number of eaters can be maximized. Different solutions are available, please align with your Earlyfeed contact for more information.
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