Feeding lactating sows – a practical approach
A Practical Approach to Performance and Recovery
Today, the total number of piglets born per sow has significantly increased, and sows are capable of producing more milk per kilogram of live weight than cows. Sow farmers, together with their suppliers and advisors, have made remarkable progress in improving performance and efficiency. However, despite these advancements, there is still a lot of variation between individual sows on a farm. For many farmers, the main goal is to maintain these results as efficiently as possible whilst minimising problems. The key to success lies in a practical approach to feed strategy based on the individual sow.
Why Individual Feeding Matters
Milk production can vary considerably between sows. As illustrated in Graph 1, some animals have substantially higher nutrient requirements than others due to differences in litter size, milk production and parity.
Despite this variation, many farms still apply a single lactation diet and a standard feeding curve for all animals. While practical, this approach may not always provide the best outcome for either sow performance or long-term herd productivity.
An effective feeding programme recognises these differences and creates opportunities to adapt feed allocation according to the needs of the individual sow.
Understanding Nutrient Requirements During Lactation
Nutritional modelling demonstrates that nutrient requirements change considerably throughout the lactation period. As shown in Graph 2, feed supply and nutrient demand do not always align when standard feeding schedules are applied.
Two key observations emerge:
- High-producing sows are often underfed during early lactation.
- Less productive sows may receive more nutrients than required during the second half of lactation.
Both situations can negatively affect performance and create management challenges later in the production cycle.
How do you manage these two important conclusions?
1. Prevent underfeeding in the first two weeks of lactation:
The most logical step to prevent underfeeding would be to push the feed intake as much as possible but this won’t work. To be able to push the feed from day 1 after farrowing, you have to rely on the capacity of the sow to metabolise her own body reserves before farrowing. The sow will already go into a negative energy balance from at least 10 days before farrowing. This is not a problem because it’s natural, so don’t push this and let the sow handle it. Of course, you have to support this transition. A separate transition feed would be very helpful:
- Avoid constipation with a fibre-rich diet
- Slow-release energy by short-chain fatty acids produced by fermentation of fibers
- Support physiological processes with Additional products like omega 3 fatty acids, specific amino acids, specific B vitamins, (endo) toxin binder
Increase feed levels directly after farrowing
After farrowing, when the sow is fit (because you didn’t push her) you can easily increase the feed intake directly after farrowing. We have achieved very good results with feed levels up to 4.5 kg on day 1 after farrowing in multiparous sows. Please note that the sow should be standing and have a good appetite, to use these feeding levels. Koudijs has developed a complete approach. Contact us if you are interested in discussing this.
2. Prevent a positive energy balance in the second half of lactation:
In the second half of lactation, you are already making choices for the next parity. Sows need to be in an “optimal-negative-energy balance.” The negative energy balance should, of course, not be too low as problems may arise from this. As you can see in the graphs, there are also sows or situations on the farm where requirements for production might be lower than the supply. It’s important to anticipate these situations and make the right choices around 10 days after farrowing. By doing so, you will definitely avoid a lot of problems with fertility in the next litter.
Adopt the right feed regime
An optimum feed regime for a lactating sow is based on first PULL and only afterward PUSH in the first half of lactation. In the second half of lactation, you should have a practical structure to feed the sow based on the estimated milk production. Managing this well will increase your results by avoiding mistakes, and this will give you a lot more job satisfaction.