A study to develop methodology for feeding 24-hour-old neonatal swine for 3 weeks

Pediatric evaluations are useful only when the animal model and human neonate have similar timing in system development. The objective of this study was to compare the growth of 24-hour-old swine provided 3 different feeding regimens of a simulated sow milk formula for 3 weeks. Three groups of three swine per sex were used. Group 1 was fed every 4 hours for weeks 1 through 3. Group 2 was fed every 3 hours during week 1 and every 4 hours during weeks 2 and 3. Group 3 (as close to ad libitum as possible) was fed every 2 hours for the first 2 days; every 2.5 hours for the next 2 days; every 3 hours for the next 3 days; and every 4 hours during weeks 2 and 3. No mortality occurred. Body weights were within normal limits. Organ weights, physical and ophthalmologic examinations, hematology and serum chemistry parameters, gross necropsy observations, and microscopic evaluation of the brain, liver, and kidneys were not affected by the three feeding regimens. Day 21 body weight gain of group 3 was greater than that for groups 1 or 2. Mean formula consumption (ounces/day) over 21 days was significantly increased (p < .01) for group 3 (males and combined sexes) compared to the two other groups, supporting the greater weight gain of group 3 versus groups 1 and 2 over the 21-day feeding period. Body weights of the piglets fed simulated sow milk and historical control 21-day-old suckling pigs were within the same range. Only the labor-intensive feeding of simulated sow milk in a regimen close to ad libitum produced maximal weight gain in 24-hour-old piglets during the initial 3 weeks postpartum.