What are the roles of piglets in the feeding process?
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August 16 06:32:06, 2025
The role of a high-quality piglet feed or teaching material goes beyond just feeding. It plays a critical part in the early development and survival of newborn pigs. Many people believe that the main functions are threefold: to help piglets adapt to solid food, support intestinal health, and promote weight gain. However, a truly effective piglet feed does much more than that.
First, it helps stimulate the excretion of meconium. Colostrum is well known for its rich content of immunoglobulins, which boosts immunity and meets the nutritional and immune needs of piglets right after birth. It also contains magnesium salts that aid in the passage of meconium. But not all sows, especially first-time mothers, can produce enough colostrum immediately. This lack of secretion is common and can lead to digestive issues. Therefore, a good piglet feed should be designed to support this crucial process.
Second, it helps prevent diarrhea in newborns. The transition from the womb to the outside world brings significant stress to piglets. During this time, their mortality rate can be as high as 10% to 25%, with most deaths occurring within the first seven days. One of the main causes is the high concentration of milk, which can lead to digestive problems like white diarrhea or jaundice. A quality piglet feed should be formulated to reduce these risks and support gut health from day one.
Third, it enhances the piglet’s ability to handle stress. While many feeds claim to have low anti-nutritional factors, this alone doesn’t guarantee quality. Piglets face numerous challenges from birth, including changes in temperature, environment, and nutrition. They shift from passive nutrient absorption through the umbilical cord to active digestion, and later face weaning, social sorting, and environmental changes. These stressors can weaken their immune system, increase susceptibility to disease, and lead to higher rates of illness and diarrhea.
A good piglet feed should be designed to ease these transitions. For example, introducing a diet similar to what they’ll eat after weaning—such as corn, soybean meal, and fishmeal—can reduce stress and improve digestion. This gradual adaptation helps maintain gut health and supports better growth outcomes.
In conclusion, an effective piglet feed isn't just about nutrition—it's about supporting the entire developmental journey of the piglet, from birth to weaning and beyond. By addressing key challenges like meconium passage, diarrhea prevention, and stress management, it lays the foundation for healthy, strong, and productive animals in the future.