Creep feeding involves providing supplemental solid feed to piglets while they are still nursing from the sow. This practice helps piglets transition from a solely milk-based diet to solid food, preparing their digestive systems for weaning. It introduces them to new textures and flavors, which can reduce the stress associated with dietary changes later on.
Why Creep Feeding is Important
Creep feeding stimulates the growth of digestive enzymes, such as amylase, which are needed to break down carbohydrates in dry feed. This early exposure prepares their gut for the complex nutrient profiles of post-weaning diets.
The sow’s milk production peaks around three weeks after farrowing and then declines, while the piglets’ nutritional requirements increase. Creep feed supplements the sow’s milk, ensuring piglets receive adequate nutrients for consistent growth rates. This additional nutrition supports improved pre- and post-weaning performance.
Introducing solid feed early can reduce the “post-weaning growth lag,” a period where piglets experience reduced growth or even weight loss due to stress and dietary changes. Piglets that consume creep feed have higher initial feed intake after weaning and better overall growth performance. This practice also contributes to more uniform litter weights at weaning and helps maintain the sow’s body condition by reducing the demand on her milk supply.
Starting and Managing Creep Feeding
Creep feed is introduced to piglets when they are between 5 and 10 days of age. Beginning with small amounts, such as 50 grams per litter per day, and increasing as intake rises is advised. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent spoilage, as milky creep feed can turn sour quickly.
Feeders should be placed in an accessible area for piglets, away from the sow’s reach and the dunging area. Placing feeders near the sow’s head can encourage exploration and consumption, and ensuring the feed is not under direct heat prevents it from becoming stale. Offering fresh feed multiple times a day helps maintain palatability and freshness, and social feeding can be encouraged by using flat trays.
Cleanliness of feeders is important, as fouled trays can deter piglets from eating. A consistent supply of fresh water is also necessary, as water intake directly influences feed consumption and helps piglets adapt to nipple drinkers before weaning. Observing piglet intake and adjusting feeding practices based on their consumption patterns will help maximize the benefits of creep feeding.
Essential Components of Creep Feed
Creep feed formulations are designed to be palatable and digestible for young piglets. They contain a proportion of milk-based ingredients, such as whey and skim milk, because these are readily digested by young pigs and encourage intake. These ingredients also resemble the lactose and proteins found in sow’s milk.
In addition to milk products, creep feeds include amounts of non-milk ingredients like rolled oats or flaked corn. These components help stimulate the development of digestive enzymes needed for breaking down starches and non-milk proteins, preparing the piglet’s gut for a more diverse diet post-weaning. High-quality protein sources, along with appropriate energy content, vitamins, and minerals, are included to support rapid growth.
The physical form of creep feed is also considered, with small pellets or crumbles being common as they are easier for young piglets to consume. Some formulations may use larger pellets, as these have been shown to increase creep feed consumption. Certain feeds may incorporate ingredients that support gut health, such as prebiotics or probiotics, further aiding the piglet’s digestive system development.