Early lactation
Feeding in early lactation has to focus on optimising the colostrum production, and increase feed intake, without inducing a loss of appetite. The addition of medium-chain fatty acids positively affects the colostrum quality. Recent research shows that adding soluble, fermentable fibres to the diet all contributes to improved piglet survival and weight gain during the first days post-partum. Danish experience shows that feeding a protein level equal to the gestation diet up to three to four days post-partum tends to prevent neonatal diarrhoea.