PIC Isowean pigs at 8 to 12 days of age were subjected to four post-weaning nutritional regimens for 72 hr: 1) both feed and Aqua-Jel~R water supplement (FAJ); 2) Aqua-Jel~R only (AJ); 3) AJ mixed with BlueLite~R electrolytes supplement (0.125% by weight) (AJBL); and 4) no feed or AJ (Fast). The pigs were then raised with ad-lib feeding for a 14-day growth period. Thermoneutral environments were applied during both' the treatment and growth periods. Pigs in Fast regimen lost more body weight (0.6 kg/pig or 17% of initial body weight [IBW]) than pigs in other regiments (0.4 kg/pig or 12% IBW) (P<0.05). The Fast pigs also had a higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (P<0.05) and somewhat lower metabolic rate (P>0.05) than the other pigs. FAJ, AJ and AJBL regimens all had the similar positive effects on the pigs. The results suggest that PIC Isowean pigs cope well with post-weaning nutritional conditions that could be encountered during long-journey shipments. Supply of bacteria-resistant water supplement such as Aqua-Jel~R proved beneficial in reducing transport stress and is thus recommended. In-transit supply of feed would not be necessary. The heat and moisture production rates of the pigs obtained from this study can be used to assist the design and operation of ventilation systems for transportation and production facilities. Future study should examine responses of the Isowean pigs to fluctuating thermal conditions as may be more typical of long-journey shipments.
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