New research from Purina shows the value of changing sows’ diets depending on whether they are in gestation or lactation phases. The information shows that fiber-dense rations are best during gestation, and energy-rich rations during lactation help sows maintain condition.
Brenda de Rodas, Ph.D., director of swine research at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, says ration formulation in sows should be based on the sow’s current body condition score and her stage of production – often divided into gestation and lactation rations.
Gestation is typically the stage when sows regain condition and prepare for farrowing. In lactation, sows require more nutrients to provide for their litters without losing body condition. In both cases, producers are encouraged to feed their sows to maintain a consistent body condition score (BCS) of 3 on a 5-point scale at all times.
“When we create gestation rations, we take in consideration the nutrient requirements of the gestating sow which can be divided into three main components: maintenance, fetal growth and maternal weight gain,” de Rodas says.
Sows require significantly more nutrients in lactation than in gestation to care for their litters without sacrificing body condition.
“Lactation is the most demanding phase of the production cycle,” de Rodas says. “The lactation diet should have greater amino acid and greater energy content than a gestation diet because significant protein and energy is needed for milk production.”
The research says that sows needs all the nutrients they can get during lactation, with the more they eat, the greater milk production, and thus, the heavier litters at weaning and shorter time to return to estrus.