Nursery Improvement Practical Tips

Presented by Peter Wilcock, Associated British Nutrition - Primary Diets - AB Agri Ltd. at the 2009 London Swine Conference.

Creep feeding has become increasingly important with increased litter size and later weaning. Although creep feeding is a significant component in improving weaning weights, especially in later weaned piglets, it is also a key tool in improving post weaning performance. A trial by Kuller et. al. (2005) demonstrated that the more creep feed a pig eats the better the post weaning feed intake and potentially can eliminate post-weaning lag (Figure 1).

Figure 1 - Creep Feeding Increases Post-weaning Feed Intakes

However, simply providing creep is not the whole answer. A US research study by Sulabo et. al. (2008) showed that pigs that ate creep had an extra 0.4 kg gain over pigs that were non eaters or not offered creep. In addition, of the litters that were offered creep only 60% of the piglets actually ate it. As producers it is important to manage creep feeding to maximize the number of piglets that consume creep. One management tool that the researchers looked at was introducing creep feed at day 7 versus day 14 of lactation. The results showed an extra 10% of pigs consumed creep feed when it was introduced earlier (Figure 2).

Figure 2 - The Effect of Creep Feeding on Post-Weaning Gain

Other management tips for maximizing creep intake include:

• Keep the feed fresh and clean
• In late weaned piglets > 24 days start creep feeding at 10-14 days
• In early weaned piglets < 24 days start creep feeding at 5 to 7 days
• Offer creep feed on a flat surface (solid floor or shallow tray)
• Place creep close to pigs but not under heat source
• Keep feed away from muck area
• Start with small amounts and replace at least twice per day (remove uneaten creep)
• Offer creep when sow is feeding as baby pigs are active and will not get suckled for some time
• Do NOT overfeed - feed to appetite
• Introduce small troughs or top up trays if litters eating well
• Thoroughly clean fouled trays
• Improve water availability as this will increase feed intake
• Maintain freshness by storing creep diet in cool place and always roll down the top of the bag to prevent unit odor being taken into feed
• Remember if creep is being consumed it STILL does not mean all pigs are consuming creep
• Use gruel feeding when needed to increase intake
• Use high digestible starter feed

 
With a few assumptions the economics of feeding creep feed look like this:

• Average piglet intake over 21 day lactation - 100 g
• Pigs per litter - 10
• Creep feed cost - $2000/tonne
  
  

Cost 0f Creep Feeding

• 10 pigs x 100 g/pig = 1.0 kg creep x $2000/tonne = $2.00 per litter

From the research we know that pigs consuming creep showed an improvement 0.4 kg per pig at 28 days post weaning and based on lifetime performance could have an improvement of 1.2 kg per pig at slaughter. At a minimum 4 kg per litter (0.4 kg x 10 pigs per litter) or a maximum of 12 kg per litter (1.2 kg x 10 pigs per litter) the return on consuming creep would be a benefit of between $6.00 to $18.00 per litter of a return of between 3:1 to 9:1 for creep feeding.

Focusing on creep feeding and maximizing the number of piglets per litter that consume creep can improve both pig performance and financial return.

References

Kuller, W.I., N.M. Soede, H.M.G. van Beers-Schreurs, P Langendijk, M.A.M Taverne, J.H.M Verheijden, and B. Kemp. 2004. J. Anim. Sci. 82: 405-413

Sulabo, R.C., M.D. Tokach, J.Y. Nelssen, S.S. Dritz, J.M. DeRouchey, and R.D. Goodband. Effects of lactation feed intake and creep feeding on sow and piglet performance. 2008. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (suppl. 31): 98 (abs.).

Related Links

• London Swine Conference

June 2009 Pork News & Views - Table of Contents