While creep feeding continues to be widely used in swine operations, the effectiveness of creep feeding to improve pre- and post-weaning performance is up for debate. We conducted a study to determine whether provision of creep feed is beneficial and whether this is dependent on the type of creep feed provided. We also determined preference for type of creep feed in piglets. Overall, there was little impact of creep feeding on post-weaning performance and piglets or preference for type of diet (creep diet, lactation diet). While there does not seem to be a benefit to creep feeding, producers who choose to provide creep feed can use a less expensive diet.
Creep feed source: What is effective and what do piglets prefer? (full article)
