Creep feed composition did not affect feed intake, growth rate or gut microflora in weaned pigs

Abstract

Although dietary composition for weaned pigs can be altered to promote a beneficial microflora which resists proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, this concept has yet to be applied to the pre-weaning phase. Commercial creep feeds typically are highly digestible and based on milk products and cooked cereals which, in the presence of lactase enzyme activity in the suckling piglet, promote relatively limited microbial fermentation in the gut. The gut flora therefore remains relatively immature and less able to deal with the challenges of weaning and transition to a non-milk diet. Recent studies in weaned piglets have shown how dietary ingredients such as inulin can enhance the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the gut (Wellock et al., 2006), and thus may provide a more stable gut pH and microflora over the weaning transition. Similarly, addition of sodium butyrate to the diet can enhance gut architecture (Miller and Slade, 2006), which could promote development of a more mature gut at weaning if fed prior to this time. The aim of this experiment was to test whether manipulations which have had beneficial effects on enteric conditions in weaned pigs can be used prior to weaning, to promote more favourable gut conditions and thereby reduce the feed intake deficit and growth check associated with the weaning process.