In these experiments, GS during the first week after weaning improved ADG and ADFI of weanling pigs, and both gel supplements (with and without plasma protein) were effective. These effects can be attributed to the increase in feed intake stimulated by the physical form and composition of the GS, and not to the availability of the feed in creep feeders. In previous trials conducted (non-published) at our station, pigs receiving a GS had greater ADG and ADFI than pigs fed a pelleted Phase 1 diet in creep feeders. de Rodas (2005) also showed the benefits of GS to pigs weaned at 13 to 17 days of age (3.7 to 4.7 kg BW). The reduction in feed efficiency observed in pigs fed a GS in the present study was associated with some unavoidable feed spillage from the creep feeders. The lack of effect of plasma protein in the gel supplement was probably due to its inclusion in the Phase 1 pelleted diet. The gel-based nutritional supplement is a unique product that provides the young pig with both a feed and a water component, and is stable at room temperature. Varley and Stockill (2001) reported that only 50% of pigs drink water during the first 24-h postweaning. Therefore, strategies to stimulate water and feed intake immediately after weaning will be helpful in preventing both dehydration and anorexia.
In the present study, vaccination did not affect growth performance during days 0 to 7 post weaning, but reduced ADFI and ADG during days 14 to 22 (booster shot at day 14) and overall experiment. It appears that the stress of weaning was greater than the stress of vaccination, and that GS was beneficial to both VAC and non-VAC pigs.
Collectively, the results of these experiments indicate that GS during the first seven days after weaning consistently improves performance of weanling pigs, and both gels (with and without plasma protein) were effective. This study clearly shows that a gel-based nutritional supplement can ease the weaning transition from sow's milk to dry feed and can minimize the post weaning lag.