Supplemental skim milk before and after weaning improves growth performance of pigs

Abstract

Twelve Large White x Landrace sows nursing litters of 6 boars and 6 gilts were used in this study. Six litters suckled the sow only, whereas the other 6 litters received supplemental liquid skim milk (200 g/L) ad libitum from Day 10 until Day 20. On Day 20 the 4 heaviest pigs of each sex were allocated to 2 pairs and were weaned. Each pair was offered either pelleted or pelleted plus liquid feed. For the first 2 days post-weaning, each pair of liquid-supplemented pigs received liquid skim milk (250 g/L). On Day 23, pelleted feed was added to the milk. The ratio of liquid to pelleted feed was adjusted daily until, on Day 28, pigs were provided with pelleted feed only until 41 days of age. Sup..