Investigating the development of piglet feeding behaviour during the immediate postweaning phase using computer...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ethology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Adequate feed intake is critical for piglet health during weaning.
• The postweaning period presents challenges to piglet feeding behavior and health.
• Socialization and feed familiarity are potential strategies to mitigate weaning stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of preweaning co-mingling and feed familiarity on piglet feeding behavior postweaning.
• To assess the effects of these factors on aggression and social dynamics.
• To determine the relationship between early feeding behavior and overall feed intake.

Main Methods:

• A 2x2 factorial design study involving 288 piglets over 3 days postweaning.
• Video recording and analysis using image classification models for feeding behavior.
• Development of an aggression detection model using motion detection and lesion scoring.
• Assessment of preweaning co-mingling (grouping litters) and feed familiarity (creep feed access).

Main Results:

• Co-mingling increased creep feed intake and reduced aggression in early postweaning days.
• Feed familiarity increased total eating time on day 0 but decreased weaner feed intake later.
• Early feeding duration positively correlated with cumulative feed intake up to day 14.
• A bi-harmonic circadian feeding pattern and group feeding behavior were observed.

Conclusions:

• Preweaning co-mingling and feed familiarity effectively stimulate early postweaning feeding behavior.
• Co-mingling significantly reduces aggressive interactions during the critical postweaning phase.
• Optimizing early feeding behavior is essential for ensuring adequate feed intake throughout the weaning transition.