Ensuring that Healthy and Robust Piglets All Thrive After Weaning to Improve Herd Feed Conversion Efficiency

To improve post-weaning piglet health, survival and feed efficiency by reducing the impacts of iron-deficiency anaemia and post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), two common conditions that limit pig performance and contribute to poor herd feed conversion efficiency. 

This APL-funded project investigated practical strategies to improve piglet performance during the critical post-weaning period. Three commercial-scale experiments examined the effects of additional iron supplementation and low crude protein diets on pig health, growth and herd feed conversion efficiency. 

The research found that a second iron injection administered at weaning improved haemoglobin levels, reduced pig removals and supported early post-weaning growth. Low crude protein diets with an optimised amino acid balance significantly reduced post-weaning diarrhoea without compromising overall growth performance. 

When combined, these strategies improved post-weaning health outcomes and reduced mortality, contributing to improved herd feed conversion efficiency. However, benefits were greatest in younger pigs and higher-challenge production systems, highlighting the importance of tailoring management practices to individual herd conditions. 

• Administering a second iron injection at weaning, particularly for larger, faster-growing piglets at greater risk of anaemia can reduce pig removals and support early post-weaning growth. 
• The use of low crude protein diets during the first week after weaning can reduce post-weaning diarrhoea while maintaining performance. 
• Targeting interventions i.e. additional iron at weaning for larger, faster growing pigs and/ or low protein diets for younger pigs and herds experiencing higher post-weaning health challenges can be a cost-effective strategy to improve piglet robustness, feed efficiency and overall welfare.

For further information about this project, please contact APL’s Research and Innovation Program Manager – Farming and Welfare, Dr Rebecca Athorn via email: Rebecca.athorn@australianpork.com.au