ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2025 73 phase, piglets are particularly vulnerable to enteric issues as their diet shifts from sow’s milk to solid feed. This transition period can be stressful for piglets, and improper weaning practices can lead to digestive issues, adversely affecting growth and even contributing to mortality issues. Special attention to diet and water during the nursery phase can help ensure that nursery piglets grow strong and healthy. The starter diet is designed to be easily digestible to promote growth. As adequate water intake is essential, it is important for piglets to have easy access to clean, fresh water. FATTENING PIGS: GROWING FOR MARKET As pigs reach the fattening phase, usually around 10 weeks old, their growth shifts toward muscle and fat development in preparation for slaughter. During this phase, the focus is on maximising feed efficiency and growth rate and supporting overall pig health. The fattening pigs’ diet is designed to promote fast and efficient growth while ensuring proper fat deposition and muscle development. Maximising feed efficiency is crucial during this stage. The goal is for pigs to gain weight at the fastest possible rate while minimising feed costs. COST OF PRODUCTION AND MARKET ECONOMICS Management of both nursery piglets and fattening pigs directly affects a farm's profitability. The nursery phase demands higher input costs due to specialised diets, health treatments, and environmental controls. However, the fattening phase typically generates higher returns due to the improved weight and market value of the pigs. Pig prices in both the nursery and fattening stages are influenced by market demand for pork, feed prices, and regional factors. CARRYOVER EFFECTS FROM THE NURSERY TO SUPPORT FATTENING PIGS The term “carryover effects” refers to the influence that one phase of an animal's life has on its performance in later phases. Optimising the health, nutrition, and management of nursery piglets can have long-lasting effects on their performance as they transition into the fattening phase. Interventions during the nursery stage can pay off with improvements in growth, feed efficiency, and overall health. Good health and performance in the nursery phase can lead to strong growth rates and improved feed efficiency during the fattening phase. Best practices to implement during the nursery phase include: Photo: Trouw Nutrition
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