Effects of plane of nutrition and environmental temperature on the growth and development of the early-weaned piglet 1. Growth and body composition

Abstract

1. Eighteen litters of piglets were weaned at 14 days of age and reared for a further 3 weeks at environmental temperatures of 18, 23 or 28°C. At each environmental temperature three levels of feeding were used. The changes in body composition of the piglets were studied by the comparative slaughter procedure, littermates being analysed at birth, and at 14, 22 and 36 days of age. For comparison, the bodies of suckled piglets of similar weights and ages were also analysed.2. In the 2 to 3 day period following weaning, body weight decreased, with the greatest reduction being 0·28 (s.e. 002) kg at 18°C. Following this, body weight gain was dependent on both environmental temperature and level of feeding, although at any given level of food intake there was little difference between the values at 23 or 28°C.3. There were marked changes in the chemical composition of the carcass in relation to the different temperature/feeding level combinations. The most variable component was fat. In the period following weaning there was considerable mobilization of fat, especially at the lower temperatures and feeding levels. The fat content of the early weaned piglets at 36 days of age (68 to 103 g/kg) was significantly less than that of the suckled piglets (169 g/kg) (P < 0·01). The decreases in fat content were accompanied by increases in the dry-matter content of the carcass.4. The protein content of the carcass remained relatively independent of the different treatments, ranging from 140 to 164 g/kg for the early-weaned piglets, compared with 139 g/kg for those that had suckled their mothers.5. The differences in the growth and body composition of the early-weaned piglet are discussed in relation to an inadequate food intake following weaning, to changes in nutrient supply and to variations in the climatic environment.

Plasma Cortisol Distribution in the Pig from Birth to Six Weeks of Age

“…Body weights of pigs throughout the 6-week period were similar to that reported previously [13]. The greatest increases in body weight for all pigs in the study occurred between days 14 and 42 which corresponds to the time period during which creep feed was provided.…”

Evaluation of the standardized ileal digestible lysine requirement of nursery pigs from 28 to 63 d of age in a three-phase feeding program

“…Close and Stanier (1984) stated that an air temperature ranging from 23 to 28 °C is ideal for piglets from 28 to 63 d of age, and Alebrante et al (2011) stated that a BGTH index value of 74.3 ± 1.79 characterize thermoneutrality for pigs from 15 to 30 kg, so we can infer that, in the present study, the animals were kept in a thermoneutral environment conditions. The ADFI of weaned piglets fed a three-PF program was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the SID Lys levels tested, regardless of the phase analyzed (Table 4) 60%).…”

“…Although their results are qualitatively similar, the lysine levels estimated for obtaining a high ADG varied among studies due to several reasons, such as genotype (SCHNEIDER et al, 2010), facility sanitary status (GANDRA et al, 2012), thermal environment (CLOSE;STANIER, 1984), and the animals' social interactions (PLUSKE et al, 2003), which may compromise the expression Evaluation of the standardized ileal digestible lysine requirement of nursery pigs from 28 to 63 d of age in a three-phase... of piglets genetic potential for growth.…”

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare on a request from the Commission related to animal health and welfare in fattening pigs in relation to housing and husbandry

“…Within nursery accommodation, the ambient temperature recommended by, e.g. Close and Le Dividich (1984) and Madec et al (2003) and generally used (non bedded, perforated floors) is in the range 26-30C e.g. a temperature of 28C for piglets weaned at 26-28 days of age.…”