The primary limitation to growth in the young pig is assumed to be the gut capacity since it limits their daily energy intake. Increasing the dietary DE concentration seems to be an effective way to overcome this issue, but by doing this the cost of diet increases. In some studies increasing DE concentration did not increase performance, but it may have a greater impact on pigs with more external stressors such as weaned pigs. Crowded pigs in this study had a slower growth rate. Reduced dietary DE was was compensated for by increasing feed intake. The use of higher concentrated DE for weanlings is not justified as it is more expensive and it did not help overcome growth limitations.
Response to Dietary Energy Concentration and Stocking Density in Weaned Pigs (full article)
