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Weaning Weight Response of Pigs to Simple and Complex Diets¹

University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908

Abstract

Five experiments were conducted to determine (1) the value of simple vs complex diets on gains and feed conversion of pigs weaned at a constant age but varying in weight, (2) the optimum postweaning time to change from a complex to a simple diet and (3) the effect of previous treatment on subsequent performance. In the first experiment, pigs were weaned at 3 wk ± 3 d and assigned within four weight groups (4.1, 5.0, 5.6 and 6.7 kg) to a simple or complex diet that was fed for 28 d. The complex diet improved (P<.01) pig performance in all weight groups. As anticipated, the heavier pigs (5.6 and 6.7 kg) ate more (P<.02) and grew faster (P<.03) than did their lighter weight littermates (4.1 and 5.0 kg). The second experiment involved pigs weaned at 3 wk ± 3 d that were assigned within two weight groups (4.4 and 6.6 kg) and fed a complex diet for 10 d, after which one-half of each weight group was switched to a simple diet. Pigs fed the complex diet for the entire 24-d period gained faster (P<.05) and were more efficient (P<.05) than those changed to the simple diet after 10 d. The heavier weight (6.6 kg) pigs ate more (P<.02) and gained faster (P<.02) than did the lighter weight (4.4 kg) pigs. A diet x weight interaction (P<.02) for feed to gain ratios indicated that the heavier pigs showed better feed conversion when changed to the simple diet than did the light weight pigs, but the reverse was true for those fed the complex diet for 24 d. Pigs in Exp. 3 weaned at 4 wk ± 3 d and assigned within two weight groups (6.6 and 8.4 kg) to the same dietary treatments that were fed in Exp. 2 responded similarly when fed either simple or complex starter diets. Experiments 4 and 5 were conducted to determine the optimum postweaning time to change 3-wk-old weanling pigs of various weights from a complex to a simple diet. In Exp. 4, pigs were assigned within two weight groups (5.0 and 6.6 kg); they were initially fed a complex diet, then changed to a simple diet on d 5, 10, 15 or 20. Average daily gain increased linearly as day of change from the complex to the simple diet increased for pigs that were lighter in weight initially. There was no difference in gain due to change date for the heavier littermates. For Exp. 5, pigs were assigned within two weight groups (4.4 and 6.0 kg) to three dietary regimens. A control group was fed a simple diet while the others were fed a complex diet initially, then changed to a simple diet on d 10 or 20 of the 34-d test period. The heavier pigs (6.0 kg) gained more (P<.01) and had higher feed intakes (P<.01) than did the lighter weight pigs (4.4 kg). Daily gain increased linearly as day of change increased (P<.01). Daily feed intake showed a quadratic effect (P<.04), with the greater intake occurring when pigs were fed the complex diet for 10 and 20 d. The effects of previous dietary treatment on subsequent performance during the growing-finishing period were significant only for carcass length (P<.04) and muscling (P<.02). Feeding complex diets to pigs weaned at 3 wk of age and weighing less than 5.6 kg seems to be a beneficial practice.

¹ Published as Paper No. 7082, Journal Ser. Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta. Research reported was conducted under Project 13-11.

² Current address: Land O' Lakes, Fort Dodge, IA.

³ Dept. of Anim. Sci. Acknowledgement is made to Diana J. Smith for assistance with the preparation of this manuscript, to Mary Barnes for laboratory assistance and to the Nebraska Pork Producers Assoc, for partial financial support of the research.

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