Effect of Saccharin on Consumption of Starter Rations by Baby Pigs

Summary

Three experiments involving 186 pigs were conducted to develop palatability testing techniques and to determine if the baby pig had a preference for a starter ration containing saccharin.

The pigs generally preferred a diet containing some level of saccharin compared to no saccharin and this preference was more pronounced when the feed was in the pellet or crumble form than in the meal form.

The best technique appeared to be one in which the baby pig has a minimum number of choices to make, and the rations have relatively wide differences.