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Increased feeding frequency prior to farrowing: effects on sow performance
Bryony S Tucker1, Kiro R Petrovski1, Jessica R Craig2
1School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
Translational Animal Science
|June 8, 2022
Summary
Increasing sow feeding frequency from one to two meals before farrowing reduced farrowing duration and stillborn piglets. This feeding strategy also improved subsequent litter sizes and sow herd longevity.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Swine Production
Background:
- Reducing the interval between the last meal and farrowing may enhance sow energy availability.
- This could potentially shorten farrowing duration and improve piglet birth outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if increasing feeding frequency impacts farrowing duration and stillborn piglet numbers.
- To determine the effects of feeding sows once versus twice daily on farrowing and lactation performance.
Main Methods:
- 118 multiparous sows were assigned to receive a fixed daily feed amount either once (0800 h) or twice (0800 and 1300 h) from gestation day 110 to farrowing.
- Sow body weight, backfat depth, litter size, and piglet weights were recorded.
Main Results:
- Sows fed twice had significantly shorter farrowing durations (2.21 h vs. 3.25 h) and fewer stillborn piglets compared to once-fed sows (P = 0.001).
- Twice-fed sows showed reduced stillborn rates, particularly those with shorter farrowing durations (P < 0.001).
- Piglet average daily gain was higher in once-fed sows, but twice-fed sows had higher subsequent total born and born alive numbers and improved herd longevity.
Conclusions:
- Increasing feeding frequency before farrowing can reduce farrowing duration and stillborn piglets in some sows.
- This feeding strategy may enhance sow reproductive performance, piglet survival, and overall herd longevity.
