Effect of Weaning and Age at Weaning on Baby Pig Performance

Pigs from 20 littermate groups of three were weaned at either 2,3 or 4 weeks of age to determine the effect of weaning and age at weaning on rate of gain, feed intake and ether extract digestibility. Feed intake and rate of gain increased more rapidly after weaning as weaning age increased from 2 to 4 weeks. Energy intake per unit of physiological size was maximized by 3 weeks after weaning. Intake during the second week increased with age at weaning. Ether extract digestibility increased with time after weaning, but was not significantly influenced by age at weaning. Increased age at weaning enhanced the adaptability to postweaning environment, resulting in less severe weight gain depression. Pigs weaned at 2 or 3 weeks of age were equal in weight to pigs weaned at 4 weeks by the time all pigs were 6 weeks of age.