The importance of creep feeding for smoother piglet weaning

Creep feed teaches the piglet that feed comes from a feeder, smells a certain way, and can be eaten without the sow nearby.

Piglets In Pen
Stramyk | BigStock.com

Nutritionists and pig producers often consider creep feed as a growth tool before weaning. In my experience, that misses the point. The main value of creep feed is not the weight gained in the farrowing room. It is what happens in the first week after weaning. That is where creep feed earns its money, especially when pigs are weaned at 21 days.

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