A note on a comparison of two systems for rearing pigs weaned at 2 days of age, involving either a liquid or a pelleted diet

Abstract

SUMMARYIn two experiments pigs were weaned at 2 days of age on to a liquid milk substitute, and from 7 days were either kept to 28 days in individual cages and given the liquid diet to a scale based on live weight, or kept in groups and allowed continuous access to the same diet in the form of pellets. The dry-matter intake from the pelleted diet was considerably less than that from the liquid diet, and the live weight of the pigs given the liquid diet was considerably greater at 28 days. The type of diet did not affect the feed: gain ratio. A liquid diet seems essential to realize the maximum growth potential of pigs weaned at 2 days of age. All pigs received a pelleted diet from 29 days and their overall performance from 2 to 56 days was similar regardless of initial treatment.In a further experiment, the performance of pigs given the liquid diet was better when individually caged rather than when kept in groups.