The effect of different weaning strategies on piglet growth, feed intake and gut health.

The present study evaluated the effects of weaning strategy on piglet growth performance, onset of feed intake, and intestinal health. A total of 254 crossbred piglets were used and the experimental period lasted 45 days. The piglets were assigned to the fallowing treatments: early strategic weaning (ESW, n = 85), piglets weaned at 16 days of age and transferred to the pre-nursery unit; strategic segregated weaning (SSW, n = 85), piglets weaned at 21 days of age and kept in the farrowing crate until 24 days of age; and conventional weaning (CW, n = 84), piglet weaned at 24 days of age and transferred directly to the nursery unity; this experimental group was used as a control. Piglets from all treatments were transferred to the nursery unit at 24 days of age. For the nursery phase three periods of evaluation was considered: nursery phase I (0-7 d), nursery phase II (7-14 d), and nursery phase III (14-21 days). Piglets from the ESW and CW had greater (P < 0.001) ADG in the lactation period 16-21 days. The BW at 24 day of age was higher (P < 0.001) for piglets in the ESW and CW groups. In the nursery phase I, the ESW group had higher (P = 0.003) daily feed intake. Piglets from the ESW group had higher (P = 0.004) BW at the end of the experimental period. The ESW and SSW groups had a higher percentage of piglets (88% and 92%, respectively; P < 0,001) consuming feed in the first 24 h after transference to the nursery facility. When the total experimental period is considered, a reduction (P < 0.001) in the incidence of diarrhea was observed for ESW piglets. Overall, there was no effect of weaning strategy on intestinal permeability. In conclusion, the results of our study showed that the Segregated Strategic Weaning management can be used to mitigate the deleterious effects of early weaning.