Feeding chicory silage to organic weaning piglets improves gut health and growth

Chicory silage enhances gut health and growth in organic weaning piglets, reducing post-weaning diarrhoea. In a 14-day trial, piglets fed chicory silage gained 1.15 kg, outperforming those on grass/clover silage (0 kg) or no silage (0.37 kg). It increases microbiota diversity and Lactobacillus amylovorus, supports foraging behaviour, and aids recovery from Lawsonia infection. Fresh, high-quality, early-harvested chicory silage should be fed daily with adequate access. Integrating chicory into crop rotation improves nitrogen uptake, and combining with white clover enhances palatability. The practice offers a sustainable, zinc oxide-free alternative for organic pig production, improving animal welfare and productivity. Conducted with SLU and Hushållningssällskapet in Sweden.