Optimizing Sow and Litter Performance via a Comprehensive Service-to-Weaning Feeding Regimen.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Hyperprolific sows produce large litters but face risks like metabolic stress and reduced piglet viability.
• Optimizing sow nutrition is crucial for managing these challenges and improving overall herd productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a phase-specific feeding program's impact on sow metabolic status, body condition, and offspring performance.
• To compare the efficacy of phase-specific diets against a standard commercial feeding strategy.

Main Methods:

• Sixty gilts and 268 multiparous sows were divided into control (standard diet) and treatment (phase-specific diets) groups.
• Phase-specific diets were formulated for early gestation, late gestation, peripartum, and lactation stages.
• Key parameters including backfat thickness (BFT), longissimus muscle depth (LMD), and blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were monitored.

Main Results:

• Treatment sows exhibited improved body condition (higher BFT and LMD) and metabolic status (lower BHBA) during gestation.
• Phase-specific feeding reduced stillborn piglets, neonatal diarrhea, and negative lactation curves.
• Litters from treated sows had heavier piglets at weaning, with sows maintaining better muscle depth.

Conclusions:

• A phase-specific feeding program effectively enhances metabolic health and body condition in hyperprolific sows.
• This nutritional strategy improves reproductive outcomes and boosts offspring growth performance through weaning.