Studies On The Nutrition Of The Neonatal Pig

The book covers the basic anatomy and histology of the gastrointestinal tract, and the postnatal growth and functional maturation of the gastrointestinal system in neonatal pigs. It also covers the nutrition and metabolism of neonatal pigs during the early postnatal period.

With 42 chapters authored by leading international experts, Swine Nutrition: Second Edition is a comprehensive reference that covers all aspects of the nutrition of pigs. Content includes characteristics of swine and the swine industry with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract; various classes of nutrients, how these nutrients are metabolized by swine, and the factors affecting their utilization; the practical aspects of swine nutrition from birth through gestation, lactation in sows, and the feeding of adult boars; and nutritional aspects of the various feedstuffs commonly fed to swine. Rounding the book is coverage of various techniques used in swine nutrition research.

This book provides developmental data regarding piglets (with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract), data related to amino acid metabolism in pigs, data related to nutritional and physiological functions of amino acids in pigs, nutritional requirements for amino acids in pigs, signaling roles of amino acids, methodological aspects in amino acid research and the pig model for studying amino acid-related human diseases.

The last books discussing the neonatal or weaned pig were published over 15 years ago. This new book provides up to date information on the suckling and weaned piglet. It covers novel and important topics such as microbiota development in piglets and management of hyperprolific litters. It also discusses topics such as weaning age and its long term influence on piglet heath and performance. The developments of lean and fat tissues and of the intestinal immune system in young pigs are described in detail. Emphasis is put on well-being with chapters focussing on husbandry interventions in suckling piglets as well as consequences of the lactational environment on behavioural disturbances of pigs after weaning. The multiple stressors encountered at and post-weaning are also discussed. Updates on essential subjects such as neonatal mortality, creep feeding of suckling piglets, feeding strategies for weaned pigs, housing systems post-weaning and diseases of piglets are provided. The information covered in this book should be of great assistance to animal scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians and swine producers. They will be made aware of most recent knowledge that will assist in improving the performance and welfare of suckling and weaned piglets.

Genetics and physiology of the neonatal pig; Genetics and neonetal survival; Immunology and neonatal mortality; Thermoregulation and the environment; The gut and nutrition of the neonetal pig; Development of the neonetal gut and enzyme systems; Microbiology of the gut and the role of probiotics; Nutrition of the neonetal pig; Diseases, behaviour and husbandry of neonatal pigs; Principal neonatal diseases; The physical environment and mortality; Behavioural aspects of piglet survival and growth; Human care and the neonatal pig; The way ahead.

'Weaning the Pig: Concepts and Consequences' is a new book that addresses the major issues surrounding the weaning process, both for piglets and the breeding herd, in modern-day pig production. The post-weaned pig presents many challenges to the manager, stockperson and nutritionist, and as such is a critical phase in the overall production system. Numerous challenges are also faced by the sow, which is required to be rebred as soon as possible after weaning. This book draws together summaries of research dealing with both piglets and the sow, and is a unique book in this regard. Accordingly, the material presented covers in detail the following areas associated with the weaning process: growth of the weaned pig, nutritional management in preparation for weaning, behavioural changes and adaptations around weaning, voluntary feed intake, digestive physiology, modulation of small intestinal integrity, the intestinal microflora and diarrhoeal diseases after weaning, intestinal immunity, nutritional requirements and intestinal requirements of the weaned pig, environmental and housing issues after weaning, saving and rearing supernumery and underprivileged piglets, and productivity and longevity of the weaned sow. The chapters have been written by acknowledged experts from around the world. The book is an ideal reference for all professions associated with the pig industry, and is invaluable as a text for students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.