A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Creep Feeding Effects on Piglet Pre- and Post-Weaning Performance

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In pig production, nursing piglets are frequently offered a highly palatable and easily digestible diet (creep feed). Creep feeding is believed to increase the weaning weight of piglets and to facilitate a smooth transition from sow’s milk to the dry feed. However, the research results are conflicting, and this might be due to the fact that several factors can impact the positive aspects of creep feeding during lactation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of creep feeding on piglet pre- and post-weaning performance. Our results demonstrated that providing piglets with creep feed in lactation increases piglet body weight at weaning and post-weaning growth performance. We also identified that a minimum of 14 days of creep feed provision is necessary to realize a higher body weight at weaning. ABSTRACT: In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effects of providing piglets with creep feed during lactation on piglet pre- and post-weaning performance. A total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Creep feeding in lactation improved pre-weaning piglet performance in 46% of the studies selected, while 58% of the included studies reported that creep feeding in lactation improved piglet performance during the nursery phase. Creep feeding increased the average piglet body weight (creep = 7.23 ± 0.30, no creep = 6.96 ± 0.31; p = 0.03) and litter weight (creep = 81.2 ± 4.18, no creep = 76.4 ± 4.22; p < 0.001) at weaning. The average piglet body weight and litter weight were positively associated (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) with total creep feed intake. Creep feeding of piglets for more than 14 days increased (p = 0.003) the litter weight at weaning compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed. The present work strengthened the notion that creep feeding during lactation presents opportunities for improving weaning weights and post-weaning piglet performance compared to litters not provided or provided for shorter periods with creep feed.