Effect of maternal supplementation with creatine and caffeine prior to farrowing on piglet growth and survival: a commerical study

Sub-optimal pre-weaning survival significantly reduces the efficiency and profitability of the Australian, (and global) pig industry, and yet, very little improvement has occurred over the last 30 years. The capacity of creatine to improve piglet viability postpartum, is promising. Furthermore, the capacity of caffeine to reduce mortality to day 21 of liveborn piglets regardless of maternal parity is also extremely promising. Finally, based on the current data, combining both supplements does not appear to be beneficial for piglet performance, and may in fact be detrimental.