Phase feeding is a well-established strategy in piglet nutrition. It allows for the gradual transition from complex, highly digestible diets to simpler, more economical formulations as the piglet matures. This system works well when piglets are weaned at a very young age, typically around 18 to 21 days. But when weaning happens at 28 days, this approach may no longer be the best option.
Phase feeding was developed to support piglets with underdeveloped digestive systems. At very young ages, piglets cannot efficiently digest plant-based proteins or less refined ingredients. They require highly digestible nutrients, such as milk proteins and cooked cereals, provided in a series of diets with gradually decreasing complexity. Each phase was designed to match a new stage in digestive development.
