The Feed Level Controlled Mash Feeder vs. the Conventional Tube Feeder in Piglet Rearing

Abstract

In the present study, the influence of a feed level controlled mash feeder on the rearing performance and the eating behaviour of piglets was ex- amined in comparison with a conventional tube feeder. For this purpose, a compartment featuring two pens for 25 piglets each was available. In one group, the feed level controlled mash feeder was used for the first 14 days. As of the 15th day, the animals were fed with the aid of a tube feeder. In the second group, the tube feeder was employed immediately after weaning. Piglets which were fed using the feed level controlled mash feeder showed a significantly higher weight increase during the first 14 days. This advantage was able to be statistically proven even after a five-week rearing period, especially in piglets which weighed less than 5.0 kg when stalled up. In the first two weeks, an additional weight gain of 660 g was achieved, while additional feed consumption was 815 g. In addition, more unrest in the feeding place area was observed in this trial group. Significantly more piglets tried to reach the trough, but were not able to eat because all feeding places were occupied.