Consequences of feed restriction in lactating sow nutrition

Nutrition is one of the most important factors, influencing health status and productive performance in farm animals. Lactating sows have high nutrients requirements, especially sows nursing large litters. Energy and nutrients deficiencies have detrimental effects on sows and their progeny. Low feed intake during lactation leads to increased catabolism. Sows, consuming inadequate amounts of feed, produce less milk and lose more body weight. Litters, reared by feed-restricted sows, have also lower weight gain. Excessive weight loss during lactation may have a negative impact on subsequent reproductive performance. The aim of this paper was to present the aspects connected with and resulted from insufficient feed intake by lactating sows