The effect of replacing cereals with former food products in pig diet on diet preference, clinical welfare indicators, behaviour and performance

F. Veldkamp*, H.M. Vermeer, J.C.A. Kater, J.M.J. Rebel, I.C. de Jong

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingAbstract

Abstract

Using former food products (FFPs) to replace cereals in pig diets can reduce the negative impact of pig production on the environment. This study aimed to partially substitute cereals with FFPs in sow and weaned piglet diets (44.9% and 33.5-36.0%, respectively) and determine piglet diet preference and effects on welfare, behaviour and performance. Therefore, a preference test, where pigs could choose between a circular (PC) or standard (PS) diet, and comparison test, in which pigs received either PC or PS, were conducted. Pigs were born from sows with a standard (SS) or circular (SC) diet and already received PC or PS in the farrowing pen (FPC or FPS). Pigs consumed more PC than PS in the first three weeks after weaning, regardless of sow or farrowing pen diet. Hardly any effects of sow or pig diet on welfare indicators were found. Effects of sow and pig diet were found on performed agonistic behaviour where pigs from SS sows and PS pigs performed more agonistic behaviour than pigs from SC sows and PC pigs. Average daily gain and average daily feed intake were higher for PC pigs but feed conversion ratio did not differ between treatments. To conclude, replacing cereals in pig diets with large amounts of FFPs may be used as viable strategy to enhance early feed intake without negative effects on welfare, behaviour and production performance which not only improves the circularity of pig husbandry practices but also offers an sustainable way to utilize food industry by-products.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ADP Science Day 2024
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2024
EventADP Science Day 2024 - Duiven, Netherlands
Duration: 15 Oct 202415 Oct 2024

Other

OtherADP Science Day 2024
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityDuiven
Period15/10/2415/10/24

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