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How to feed just weaned piglets
The feeding of newly weaned piglets is a highly technical task, and the most critical factor is ensuring the right amount of feed. Both overfeeding and underfeeding can have negative impacts on their growth and development. Overfeeding may lead to digestive issues such as indigestion and diarrhea, while underfeeding can cause stress due to hunger, which hinders healthy growth. To ensure success, it's essential to follow a structured approach known as the "Four Inductions and Three Observations."
**The Four Inductions**
1. **Free Feeding Method**: Place small amounts of pellets in areas where piglets frequently move. The crisp texture and appealing taste of the pellets make them attractive to young pigs. Alternatively, you can sprinkle finely chopped green leaves for sows to encourage piglets to eat. This method should be repeated 4–5 times daily, and most piglets will start eating within 4–5 days.
2. **Artificial Feeding**: When the piglet is resting, gently place feed into its mouth using a small spoon or your hand. This method should be done 3–5 times a day and is especially effective for encouraging reluctant eaters.
3. **Group Training**: Place piglets from different litters together in the same feeding area. If one larger piglet has already learned to eat, the others are more likely to follow, as they naturally mimic each other’s behavior. This social learning helps speed up the process.
4. **Sweet Feed Induction**: Piglets often prefer sweet tastes, so adding a small amount of white or brown sugar to the feed can increase its appeal. You can also mix in fried corn or soybeans to enhance flavor and encourage free feeding.
**The Three Observations**
1. **Monitor Feeding Behavior**: After feeding, check how much the piglets have eaten. If the feed trough is slightly wet with only a little residue, the portion size is just right. If the trough is completely clean and dry, it means the feed was insufficient—consider increasing the amount next time. On the other hand, if there is leftover feed, it indicates overfeeding, and you should reduce the quantity accordingly.
2. **Check Feces Condition**: Observe the piglets’ feces closely. In the first three days after weaning, their stool should transition from yellow to brown. Soft, oily stools with normal color are usually not a concern. However, if you notice undigested feed particles or sporadic soft feces, it may indicate some pigs are overeating, and you should reduce the feed by about 20%. If the feces become pasty and light gray, this could signal an outbreak of diarrhea, and immediate action is needed.
3. **Observe Activity Levels**: Pay attention to the piglets’ energy and behavior. If they gather around the trough and show signs of hunger, you can offer more feed. If they quickly consume the food and remain active, it suggests the feeding is adequate. However, if they don’t respond well to feeding, cry weakly, or show no urgency, it may mean they aren’t hungry, and you should feed less. Regular observation helps maintain a balanced and healthy feeding routine.