Ann. Méd. Vét., 2004, 148 (1), pp 15 - 29 Factors influencing feed ingestion and performance of weaned pigs : perception and characteristics of dietsLAITAT M., DE JAEGER F., VANDENHEEDE M., NICKS B.Abstract :
Weaning is a critical period for piglets. Promoting solid food ingestion in the farrowing pen and early after weaning is essential to optimise piglets’ performance, health and welfare. A lot of papers report studies about pigs’ perception of the feed’s organoleptic properties. Pigs are attracted by specific flavors and show taste acuity for the five basic stimuli. The choice of pigs for a diet formulation is mainly based on the protein content of the food and the absence of toxin or anti-nutritional contaminants. They also tend to prefer eating pellets and crumbles rather than meal. Weaned pigs readily accept liquid feed. Wet/dry feeders give the possibility to the pigs to mix water and food at the same place and notably allow them to eat faster when they are fed meal. However, wet feeding may induce greater food wastage. The influence of food visual aspect on feed intake in pigs has been little assessed. Visual and auditory stimuli produced by the feeding behaviour of penmates have although a better-known impact on feed intake in this species. Get the PDF Contact person : mlaitat@ulg.ac.be |