Effect of Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus in Sows on Bone Development in Piglets

Adequate nutrition, including minerals, is important for gestating sows, particularly gilts, as growth and development of their piglets needs to be supported while their own growth is maintained. Nutrient requirements obtained from older studies may not be applicable to the modern, highly prolific sow as they were based on sows farrowing smaller litters.

 

Analysis of data collected from 1994 to 2004 showed that genetic improvements resulted in approximately 1 to 2 piglets more per litter in commercial sows. Larger litters however, results in decreased average birth weight.   The objective of this study was to determine the influence of Ca and P intake by young, gestating sows on the growth and skeletal development of their piglets and determine if smaller birth-weight piglets are at greater risk of mineral deficiency.

 

 

Source: PSCI