Milk supplementation: effect on piglets performance, feeding behavior and sows physiological condition during the lactation period

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of milk liquid and powder supplements on piglets' performance, drinking behavior, and sow back-fat thickness change during the lactation period. There were four experimental groups (n = 24), and in the control group (n = 6), the piglets were suckled from the sow. For the supplemental groups (n = 18), milk powder (MP), milk liquid by feeding trough (MLFT), and milk liquid feeding by the bucket (MLFB). Data were collected with the weight of a total of 252 piglets measured at birth, at 14 days and at weaning (28 days), respectively. Sow back-fat thickness was measured 3 days before farrowing, 14 days after farrowing and at weaning. There were significant differences in average daily weight gain between day 14 and weaning age for the MP and MLFT (P < 0.05) but not in MLFB (P > 0.05). For approaches to the feeder, there were significantly higher in MP and MLFT groups (P < 0.05). Based on the examination of sow back-fat thickness, the back-fat loss was minimal (P < 0.05) in the MP and MLFT compared to the MLFB and the control. Giving the milk supplement as powder and liquid by feeding trough has increased the piglets' average daily gain and body weight on day 14th and the weaning day. Moreover, the back-fat thickness reduction of sows in the supplemental groups is lower compared to the control group.

Methyl anthranilate as pig repellent: effects on the feeding behavior and production performance

Preventing pigs such as wild pigs (Sus scrofa) from accessing the farm can be blocked by installing fences or repellent to make them feel reluctant to access the farm. Most wild pigs were captured to prevent crop damage and incidence of African swine fever (ASF). Still, there is a limit to capturing them due to the rapid population growth. A study was conducted using "To Nature" repellent with an active ingredient of Methyl anthranilate (MA) to assess the effectiveness of MA as a pig repellent and determine its effect on feeding behavior and production performance. A total of eight female pigs [(Landrace x Yorkshire) x Duroc] were randomly arranged and used in the experiment for five weeks. Each treatment was replicated four times, having one pig in every replication. The feeders' position with MA repellent was shifted weekly with a ratio of 0.25% and mixed with 10kg of feed. The number of approaches of pigs to the feeder was monitored daily using a full HD CCTV 5-megapixel camera. A significantly lower number of approaches, feed intake, and total time spent feeding in the feeding trough was recorded from the feeder with MA repellent mixed in the diet. Regression analysis revealed a positive relationship in the feeding behavior of pigs in the feeder mixed with MA repellent in the diet. Therefore, 0.25% MA repellent can be used as pig repellent without adverse effects on the production performance of growing pigs.