Effect of creep and post-weaning feeding composition on piglets’ intestinal health and post-weaning growth according to their creep feed consumption status

Abstract

This study examined the impact of adding medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), yeast, and naked oats (NO) to creep and post-weaning diets on piglet growth before weaning, as well as their intestinal health and growth performance after weaning. Three diet type were evaluated: corn (C), NO, and NO combined with yeast and MCFAs (NO+). Piglets were classified as eaters or non-eaters of creep feeding, weaned at 20 days, and euthanized 9 days post-weaning for intestinal tissue analysis. The dietary treatments had minimal effect on the sows, except increased weight loss in the NO+ treatment (P = 0.01). No differences were observed in litter growth or creep feed intake, or piglet growth after weaning across diets. In non-eater creep feeding, crypt depth was greater in the NO+ group compared to other treatments, while the opposite was true for eater creep feeding piglets (Interaction, P = 0.03). Additionally, villi height/crypt depth ratio was higher in NO+ than for C for eater creep feeding piglet, but lower in non-eaters compared to NO group (Interaction, P = 0.04). In conclusion, while NO, MCFAs, and yeast had a limited impact on growth, creep feed consumption could help reduce the negative impact of weaning on intestinal morphology.