Farms.com Home   News

Feeding Sows RIGHT All the Way Through

Proper nutrition of the breeding herd plays a key role in maximizing herd productivity and profit. Traditional feeding strategies for the reproductive female have used body reserves as a buffer against short-term deficiencies in nutrient intake, resulting in minimal damage to the fetal or suckling piglets. However, modern sows, with a lean genotype and higher reproductive performance, must be managed differently since they start their reproductive life with fewer reserves. It is well established that the way sows are fed in one stage of the reproductive cycle will affect productivity during subsequent stages. As a result, an integrated feeding strategy is needed, starting with the gilt and continuing throughout each successive litter, designed to maintain high productivity and prolong the reproductive life of the sow. The proof that a strategy is working is not only in the longevity and productivity of the sow but also in the performance of her offspring.

Nutrition is the key component that ensures the modern sow achieves her genetic potential for reproduction. In practical terms, the actual level of sow performance in modern herds is well below the animal’s capability. Many farms average 20-22 piglets/sow/year compared with the potential of 30 piglets/sow/year. Table 1 highlights some of the achievable production targets for the modern sow.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

The Endovac Effect: Transforming Swine Health! With Curtis Stutheit - Director Of Swine Business

Video: The Endovac Effect: Transforming Swine Health! With Curtis Stutheit - Director Of Swine Business

Join us on this insightful episode of Sustainable Swine Solutions as we sit down with Curtis Stutheit, the Director of Swine Business at ENDOVAC Animal Health. Curtis warmly welcomes us into the world of sustainable swine solutions and shares his expertise on the challenges and innovations within the swine industry. In this engaging interview, Curtis covers his role at ENDOVAC, the company's history, and the range of products they offer. Dive into discussions about the current challenges facing the swine industry and how producers and veterinarians are addressing them. Curtis also provides unique insights into ENDOVAC's impact, especially with their groundbreaking product, ENDOVAC-Porci. Whether you're a swine industry professional, producer, or simply curious about sustainable solutions, Curtis shares valuable advice and lessons learned from his extensive career. Don't miss this opportunity to gain deeper insights into the world of swine health and the pioneering efforts of ENDOVAC Animal Health.