Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.33128/k.62.2.5
Feeding and growth potential of the weaned piglets
Ivana Grabovac
; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Kristina Gvozdanović
orcid.org/0000-0002-1989-2630
; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Zvonimir Steiner
; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Vladimir Margeta
; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the growth potential of weaned piglets with reference to the nutritional requirements of piglets before and after the weaning. Piglets growth is described by sigmoid curve that is characterized with a rapid increase during the first stages and a slight decrease in the second stage of the production cycle. In order to reduce growth depression during the first days after the weaning, it is important to provide an adjustment period during which the piglets will switch from feeding with sow’s milk to solid feeding. Although piglets possess a large capacity for rapid growth after the weaning, it may be limited by factors such as age at the weaning, feeding, microbiological or physiological factors. The addition of supplements such as essential oils, amino acids, selenium or short-chain fatty acids in meals have a positive effect on the health status of piglets, but also on their growth potential during the later stages of the production cycle. A balanced diet in terms of energy and nutrients ensures optimal conditions for achieving satisfactory growth and maintaining good health status of piglets, which is a prerequisite for successful pig production.
Keywords
piglets; weaning; growth; feeding
Hrčak ID:
271021
URI
Publication date:
14.1.2022.
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