Gruel supplementary feeding

Gruel is used in the nursery as a transition from sow milk to feed

In the case of small piglets or piglets with slow growth, it is recommended to use dairy products and cooked cereals; for normal piglets, pre-starter feed may be used. This base is mixed with water (in winter, it is better if the water is lukewarm). The portion is slowly reduced over time so that the piglets become adapted to the consumption of an increasingly solid feed.

Pigs that are offered gruel initially may easily increase dry matter intake during the pre- and post-weaning periods. Pigs that are offered liquid or semi-liquid (gruel) feed benefit from improved gut health and metabolic status. Because gruel-feeding is a labour- and time-intensive technique, its application is often limited to feeding runt pigs after weaning and surplus neonatal piglets.

Based on practical experience, it is advised to use a milk replacer instead of water for gruel. This will increase the chances of pigs consuming the gruel. Lock-down feeders and bowls are sufficient for gruel-feeding, but a highly digestible starter diet must be used. Ideally, runt pigs should be penned separately and started on gruel immediately after weaning. In addition, a special pen should be assigned for runt pigs that usually become evident during the first two weeks post-weaning. Pigs should receive gruel no more than three times per day; otherwise, they fail to eat dry pellets, which should be offered ad libitum in dry feeders. Feeding gruel for three to five days is usually enough for most piglets to recover and to associate dry pellets with nourishment.

A gradual change from gruel to an all-dry diet is recommended. Therefore, gruel consistency must be gradually thickened to allow pigs to adapt to dry diets. Pigs should receive only enough gruel so that it is all consumed in a single feeding taking about 20 minutes. At least one feeder for every 10 piglets is recommended, to ensure sufficient consumption of gruel by all pigs. Good hygiene is also a very important ingredient in successful gruel feeding programmes.

To arrange a complimentary Alltech Pig ASSIST audit for your herd, please contact us at pigsolutions@alltech.com.