The digestive capacity of a piglet and the enzyme activity in the first weeks are aimed corresponding to the piglets requirements. Early provision of creep feed is necessary.
The aim of the project was to study the feeding behaviour of piglets and sows during lactation in three different housing systems. In total data of 93 litters and 917 piglets
were evaluated. The sows farrowed in either the Welser pen or the WelCon pen. They either remained in these systems until the end of lactation, or changed after 14 days to
a multi-suckling system. The sows were fed ad libitum. Feed consumption was recorded weekly. The creep feeding started when piglet´s age reached 17 days on average. The feed supply for the piglets was dry and on the ground. Weight gain and feed consumption of piglets and sows were examined. In order to determine the length of stay of piglets and sows at the feeding place, video observation were performed.
Only in the last suckling week the feed consumption of the piglets increased. Significant differences between the Welser pen, WelCon pen and multi-suckling system were found
