Feeding and nutrition of lactating sows

Question 1

Nutritional life cycle

Answer 1

Occurs on day 315, pp

Question 2

4 points to mention about the lactating period

Answer 2

1. Starts at partuition and lasts for 28 days (21-42 days)
2. If E supplement is insufficient- the mother uses fat reserves for milk prod– poor condition
3. Remember the requirement is greater than the voluntary feed intake- so there will be weight loss of 10kg/4mm of backfat
4. High number pf piglets means high E requirement of the sow

Question 3

Timeline: days, weights and events

Answer 3

• Day 0: farrowing: 170-180kg
• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 28: weaning
• at 160-170kg– heat! (I think this is at day 350-365)

Question 4

Timeline: days and feeding (and bacjfat thickness)

Answer 4

• Day 0: low appetite
• Day 1: 2-2.5kg
• Day 2: +1kg
• Day 3: +1kg
• Day 4: +1kg
• Day 5: +1kg
• From day 5 until day 28: ad lib
• At 160-170kg- in heat- 1.5-2kg

Backfat thickness stays at 18-20mm throughout

Question 5

Nutrition of lactating sow: the 2 important points to mention and the 2 options

Answer 5

Protein: 18-19% of DM

Only LATE lactation will determeine the piglets weaning weight

Option 1: Ad lib from day 1- but this may halt milk production

Option 2: Gradual incr in feed and the reaching ad lib

Question 6

Nutrition of lactating sow

Answer 6

E MJ/kg: 14.2 (same as the others)

CP%: 18-19 (higher than the others)

Lysine: 1.0

Question 7

Feeding systems (4)

Answer 7

Main goals

Water supply

Ideal temp

Electronic lactation feeders may be used

Question 8

Feeding systems: main goals:

Answer 8

1. Maximise the feed intake of a properly formulated diet
2. Match the aa and nutrient levels to the level of FI that is achieved
3. Maintain reasonable feed cost per pig

** remember at peak lactation 75% of the nutrients consumed are used for milk prod

Question 9

Feeding systems: water supply

Answer 9

2L per minute

Total of 40L per day

Question 10

Feeding systems: ideal temp

Answer 10

18 degrees celsius

Question 11

Physical from of the diet (3)

Answer 11

Soaking can improve intake

Corn-soybean diet is recommended

Commonly used forms: nuts and “weaner rolls”

Question 12

Feeding sows after weaning (3)

Answer 12

Continue with the lactation feed of 4kg/day until service, but only one feed a day

Adequate H20 supply

On the day of service: 1.5kg/day

Question 13

Contents of sow milk

Answer 13

DM%: 18

CP%: 3

Fat%: 7.5