Influence of different phase feeding programs in piglets with different weaning weights

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of different phase feeding programs in pigs with different weaning weights (WW). A total of 144 weaning piglets were used in the 22 factorial arrangement of treatments based on WW (7.95 kg vs. 5.95 kg) and phase feeding program (two vs. three). The heavier WW pigs had better average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) than their lighter WW counterparts in all periods measured except days 0 to 14. From days 14 to 42, pigs in the three-phase feeding program exhibited higher ADG and G:F than those in the two-phase feeding program. On d 14 and 42, although the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen was not affected by WW, the ATTD of dry matter and gross energy were greater in pigs with heavier WW compared with those with lighter WW. Feeding phase programs did not affect nutrient digestibility. Fecal score was not affected by WW and phase feeding program throughout the study. In conclusion, three-phase feeding program increased growth performance during days 15 to 42. Heavier WW pigs had better growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Both heavy and light WW pigs can be offered a two-phase feeding program but diet 2 should be extended to 21 days especially for lighter WW pigs.