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In an experiment with 11 repetitions of piglet rearing and 3 repetitions of pig fattening (1,740 piglets, 534 fattening pigs), different high-fiber employment feeds were used in addition to the main feeding. With the help of calculation of all available test results, an attempt was finally made to derive a "fiber requirement" from the fiber consumption of main and employment feed for piglets and fattening pigs. Piglets and fattening pigs consumed additional amounts of fiber depending on the fiber content of different employment feeds in addition to the main feeding. It was found, that pigs (piglet rearing and pig fattening) consume fiber in addition to the main feed depending on crude fiber content of employment feeds. The pigs consume relatively little amounts of feed products with a high crude fiber content (approx. 40% crude fibre in 88% dry matter), whereas they consume more feed with a lower crude fiber content (approx. 20% crude fibre in 88% dry matter). The amount of additional fiber consumption of piglets and fattening pigs corresponds to their requirement that is not fulfilled by their main feed. We conclude, that the observed additional fiber consumption indicates that growing pigs have a fiber requirement. In order to meet the requirement via a single complete feed, the crude fiber content for rearing piglets should be 4.5% and for fattening pigs the crude fiber content should be 5.1% in 88% dry matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different feeding systems for piglet rearing combined with foraging materials were studied. Liquid feeding (feed consistency, feeding frequency, animal: feeding place ratio) resulted in significantly higher weight gain during 35 d of piglet rearing compared to tube mash automats or automatic dry feeders (n = 2000 piglets). The fiber supply was increased by 5-7 g/piglet/d using pelleted supplements rich in fiber or soil for rooting independent of feeding technique, along with decreased animal losses. Undesired animal behavior was decreased when tube mash automats were combined with foraging materials, especially in piglets with undocked tails. Foraging materials can secure long-lasting activity and acceptance. Thus, risks arising from the feeding system itself can be partly compensated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fibre-rich pelleted supplementary feedstuffs during a 35-day piglet rearing period led to a varied improvement in the fibre supply, depending on feed acceptance. The relatively high total consumption (1,700 g/piglet) observed during the use of Grascobs stimulates the increase and the absorption of the main fodder, but worsens its feed conversion rate. The use of straw pellets has a negative effect on the consumption of the main fodder. All crude fiber-rich pelletised supplementary feedstuffs have a positive effect on unwanted behaviours of piglets with undocked tails. Regarding the processed products of alfalfa and grass, there is an apparent prophylaxis with regard to tail necroses. If an organic employment material is to ensure sustainable employment and acceptance, then this must have the properties of a feed. This includes a reduced nutrient content that matches the main feed and defined low germ content. Pelleting improves the hygienic requirements for a use in farms with an already high health status. Furthermore, the technical prerequisites for mechanised feeding and the basis for sufficient employment periods, can thus be attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]