April 2023 - Strategy FINAL - Flipbook - Page 14
Nutrition
Nutrition & Production Strategies
for the Weaned Pig
Madie Wensley
Nutritionist,
Pipestone Nutrition
Madie grew up near Parma, Michigan and obtained her undergraduate
degree in animal science from Michigan State University. She completed her master’s and PhD in Applied Swine Nutrition at Kansas State
University. Her research while at K-State focused on feed management
strategies to improve the weaning transition, with the goal of decreasing
mortality. Madie joined Pipestone Nutrition in 2023.
When we consider the number
of stressors wean pigs face, it’s no
surprise that starting pigs in the
nursery can be challenging. So,
the question becomes, what can
we do to help?
There are several practical ways
to reduce stress, encourage pen
exploration, and promote earlier
feed intake to ensure a successful
weaning transition.
BARN PREPARATION
Making sure nipple waterers are
turned on and cup waterers are
full, feed is available in feeders,
barn temperature and ventilation
are at the appropriate set points,
mats are in place, and brooders
are lit are all crucial first steps
before pigs arrive at the nursery
or wean-to-finish site.
CREEP FEEDING
Creep feeding litters during the
suckling period is one strategy
that helps acclimate pigs to solid
feed before weaning. Creep
feeding should be considered for
older wean-age pigs (> 21 days),
as litter intake remains relatively
low up until approximately 20
days of age. As wean ages across
PIPESTONE managed sow farms
have increased, creep feeding
strategies are being evaluated
through internal research trials.
14
PIPESTONE JOURNAL
NURSERY FEEDING
PROGRAM
Providing an appropriate
phase feeding program to match
the nutrient requirements and
digestive abilities of weaned
pigs is critical. Dietary phases
are typically matched with the
age and/or body weight of pigs
at weaning, such that older,
heavier weaned pigs (≥ 14 lbs.)
can receive less total nursery feed
compared to younger, lighter
pigs. This is because nursery diets
are often more expensive due to
diet form and complexity.
SORTING STRATEGIES
Upon arrival, it is recommended
to sort lightweight pigs
(approximately 10% of the
population) into uniform body
weight groups and the rest of the
population into mixed groups.
This reduces initial aggression in
heavyweight pigs and provides
greater feeding opportunities for
lightweight pigs.
MAT FEEDING
Mat feeding is used to
stimulate group feeding behavior
like suckling and has been
shown to reduce fallout rates.
Mat feed should be provided