Current production systems compromise pig health and welfare through a lack of structural feed components, which is associated with the development of gastric ulcers.
Solution
Feeding a diet which includes roughage, like grass silage, increases pig gut health.
Description
A reduction in gastric ulcers leads to increased animal welfare. Additionally, roughage, such as grass silage, may satisfy the pigs’ need for rooting and lead to a reduction in tail biting. Furthermore, the pigs are occupied with feeding for longer periods of time, which leads to a reduction in boredom. As grass silage has a good nutritional value, it is an ideal supplement to concentrate feed.
Note: feeding roughage does not negatively impact meat quality.
Practical recommendation
• Provide fattening pigs with roughage on a daily basis (minimum 100-300 grams per pig every day)
• Grass silage is an ideal roughage: it is very attractive for the pigs due to its taste and consistency. Besides grass silage, grass, hay, and other types of silage have comparable effects on health and welfare.
• To avoid feed waste and to provide good access, place feed in racks at an optimal height.
• Place racks away from areas where pigs rest in order to avoid disturbances.
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When you activate this function, your browser establishes a direct connection with the servers of the third-party provider. We would like to point out that data is transmitted to the third-party provider after activation, and the latter may set cookies that can also be used for analysis and marketing purposes. For more information, please refer to our privacy policy.
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