Maintaining continuity of nutrient intake after weaning begins with people, says Madie Wensley, a doctoral student at Kansas State University (KSU). Wensley recently released two short videos summarizing preweaning and postweaning strategies to help improve pig survivability.
Her research project is part of the Improving Pig Survivability Project directed by Kansas State University, Iowa State University and Purdue. This is a five-year project encompassing research, education and Extension efforts with the goal of reducing overall mortality in the U.S. commercial swine industry. The project is funded by the National Pork Board and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR).
“Madie’s videos and reviews provide a great background and foundation on things that producers can do to help pigs with the transition from milk to nursery diets at weaning,” says Mike Tokach, KSU Department of Animal Sciences and Industry University distinguished professor and swine Extension specialist.
The videos include Wensley’s findings of her literature review on pre-weaning and post-weaning strategies that can be implemented on farm to improve feed intake and reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality after weaning, according to a KSU release. A key focus of the videos is on swine nutrient intake in the immediate stages prior to and following weaning.
“We highlight management, nutrition and other factors that influence how pigs transition to the nursery,” Wensley explains. “However, maintaining continuity of nutrient intake after weaning begins with people. Having the right people in the barn that know how to read the pigs and understand their needs is essential to successfully getting pigs started on solid feed.”
Wensley is pursuing a master’s degree in applied swine nutrition. She is currently a graduate research assistant who also serves an undergraduate research coordinator and teaching assistant.
To watch these videos and learn more about this project visit piglivability.org.
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