Remarks and observations on the use of flavoured diets in the early weaning of piglets. [Italian]

From 12 days before farrowing until weaning of piglets 3 groups of Large White X Landrace sows mated with Duroc boars were given mixed feeds without (groups 1 and 2) or with (group 3) the commercial flavour compound Zooflavour 6379, a mixture of essential plant oils with 0.04% vanillin. Piglets from group 3 sows were given diets with Zooflavour from 4 days old for 60 days. Piglets were weaned at 22, 14 and 14 days in the 3 groups, respectively. Analysis of milk from group 3 sows indicated transference of flavour compounds. Mean daily gain of piglets in the 3 groups was 0.319, 0.301 and 0.357 kg and feed intake 1.567, 1.671 and 1.484 kg/kg gain.