Feeding During Lactation

In contrast to the goal of controlled feed intake during gestation, the goal in lactation is to maximize sow feed intake. Achieving this goal minimizes loss of body condition, supports heavy weaning weights, promotes prompt return to estrus and boosts the size of the subsequent litter.

A recent study of performance records in the University of Minnesota's sow research unit revealed the importance of feed intake during early lactation. In this study, the odds that a sow would be culled from the herd before the next parity increased significantly if she averaged less than 7.5 lb. of feed/day or had at least one day with zero feed intake during the first 14 days of lactation.

An earlier study at the University of Minnesota demonstrated that the sooner after farrowing a sow reaches peak daily feed intake, the more total feed she will consume during lactation, and the more likely she is to return promptly to estrus.

Therefore, feed lactating sows aggressively after farrowing. Bring lactating sows to full feed by Day 4 or 5 after farrowing to encourage maximum feed intake.

Ideally, sows will experience no loss of body weight from farrowing to weaning to optimize subsequent reproductive performance and longevity in the herd. Small weight losses of 10-20 lb. should have no negative consequences.

Compromised reproductive performance can result if the sow experiences depressed feed intake and the associated negative nutrient balance during any period of lactation.

It is especially important for young sows to consume large quantities of feed during lactation, because they are more susceptible to negative nutrient balance than older sows. Diets with higher nutrient concentration and specialized ingredients might be warranted in many herds to meet the needs of these young sows.

Recent studies suggest that low levels of spray-dried animal plasma encourage increased feed intake by young sows, especially during summer. Specialized diets for young sows may require an additional feed bin to supply these lactation diets.

Focus management of lactating sows on maximizing feed intake by:

• Keeping room temperatures as close to 65°F as possible to maintain optimum sow comfort;

• Feeding multiple times/day to ensure feed is always available;

• Keeping feed fresh and clean; and

• Assuring that an ample water supply is available.

If sows are hand-fed, be sure to record feed offered on a stall card. This allows workers to track how the sows are doing, and encourages communication among workers regarding how sows are being fed.

Some producers have installed automatic feeding systems for lactating sows that allow the sows to choose when they want to eat and how wet they want their feed to be. These systems provide all of the feed sows want from a couple of days after farrowing until weaning.

One study conducted during the fall and winter seasons correlated increases in sow feed intake, weight gain during lactation and piglet weaning weight with automatic feeding systems (Table 1).

In hot weather, use drip coolers, shift feedings to the cooler times of the day and add water to the feed, but be sure remaining feed does not sour. Talk with your nutritionist about special formulations for hot weather.

Continue Reading on next page: Water, Feeding Methods