A6. Feeding and Nutrition of Lactating Sows

Question 1

Length of lactation

Initial and final BW of sow during the first lactation

Answer 1

28 days

Weight at farrowing 150-160 kg (-20 kg)
At weaning 140-150 (-10) kg

Question 2

Aim of feeding:

Answer 2

Max loss –> 10 kg and 4mm back fat (5% of BW)

to maximise the appetite,
to maximise the feed intake,
to maximise the milk production,
to minimise the W loss (10 kg)

Question 3

Daily amounts, feeding system,

Answer 3

Feeding options after farrowing
Ad libitum –> not recommended
Option 2; Increasing, GI adaption over 5 days
1kg increase pr day until 5-6 kg/day

Ad libitum unitil weaning
d. 28. Weaning, Fi: 3.5 kg/d;

Question 4

Physical form of the diet, protein, energy, and fibre contents of the diet,

Answer 4

Pellets or mash, mix the last gestation feed with lactation feed
DE: 14.% 
CP % 19%. 
\+ highly digestible fiber
(preg; 14,14%)

Question 5

DM, protein and fat contents of the sow milk, feeding sows after weaning.)

Answer 5

3-7 days after weaning: keep the 3.5 kg/d vs. 2.3 kg (maintenance requirement)
Slight flushing + regains the 10 kg of W loss;

Oestrus: within 3-7 days;
Day of insemination: 1.8-2.3 kg/d during 3 days;
after that: 3 kg/d –>to reach the 18-20 mm back fat till the day 30. etc.

Question 6

Water requirement

Answer 6

• Adult sows drink 8 to 12 litres per day.