The feed level controlled feeder: performance and eating behaviour of piglets compared to the conventional tube feeder

In this investigation the influence of the of the feed level controlled feeder versus a tube feeder on performance and behaviour was determined. Therefore in one compartment with two pens piglets were housed in groups (25 animals). In EXP1 piglets were fed with the feed level controlled feeder in the first 14 days of rearing. After two weeks, tube feeding began. In EXP2 piglets were fed with the feed level controlled feeder as well as the tube feeder in the first two weeks of rearing. After two weeks only the tube feeder remained operating. In the reference group, the piglets were tube-fed during the entire rearing phase. After 14 days of rearing piglets fed with the feed level controlled feeder showed significantly higher weight gains. After five weeks of rearing this advantage was still detectable. Furthermore, significantly more piglets in EXP1 and EXP2 attempted to get some food but failed because of occupied feeding places. In EXP2 the majority of the piglets prefer to eat at the feed level controlled feeder. However a high number of piglets did not reach the trough due to occupied feeding places at feed level controlled feeder. Alternatively to the feed level controlled feeder the tube feeder was only low frequented.

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