Nutrition to Maximize Production of the High Producing Sow

When designing a feeding program for gestating sows, we must remember the overall goals for the nutrition program: 1) prepare sows to be in proper body condition at farrowing; 2) maximize reproductive performance (farrowing rate and litter size); and 3) meet the daily nutrient requirements at the lowest cost possible (measured as cost per sow per day). We are well aware of the problems with overfeeding gestating sows, including the unnecessary expense, potential problems with impaired mammary development, and reduced feed intake in lactation. Over-conditioned sows used to be the main problem on swine farms. In recent years, thin sows have become a more prevalent problem. Too little backfat reserves can reduce reproductive performance and increase sow mortality. Low backfat reserves also can be an animal welfare concern as thin sows have a greater chance of developing shoulder sores. Management techniques for accurate feeding levels. There is little disagreement on the importance of having sows in the correct body condition at farrowing. Although there is some disagreement on whether the idea