Explore all the information on
Sow feeding management
An essential part of any strategy to optimize sow reproductive performance, increase efficiency of feed usage and lower culling rate, is to control weight and backfat gain during gestation and weight and backfat loss in lactation. This is best achieved by individually feeding each sow a well balanced diet, and basing daily feed allowances according to an estimate of sow bodyweight and backfat thickness.
A well-designed feeding program can help meet operational goals for sow farm efficiency and profit by minimizing feed waste and maximizing sow productivity. An effective sow feeding program starts with breeding gilts within the right window of weight and feeding them according to recommendations during their first gestation. This can help maximize the number of sows in ideal condition at first farrowing.
Additionally, knowing and maintaining an ideal sow body condition score is a key strategic area for long-term success. The body condition of sows in the barn is closely related to the profitability of the sow farm because it impacts sow longevity and reproductive performance. Keeping sows in the ideal body condition – not too fat and not too thin – is essential. A successful feeding program includes recording data and linking body condition to feeding so you can correctly adjust each sow’s feed ration.
1. Introduction Feed sanitizers are a type of feed additive that, when applied to or mixed into feed, provide an antimicrobial benefit. Feed sanitization addresses significant economic and health challenges in swine production. Animal feed serves as a reservoir for various pathogens that can enter feed through multiple pathways including ingredients, dust, contaminated equipment, and wildlife [1–4]. Feed sanitization also prevents mold growth and mycotoxin development. Molds...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
In the article "Feeding the lactating sow: meeting energy requirements in 2025," authored by Peadar Lawlor from Teagasc and presented at the Teagasc Pig Farmers' Conference 2024, the focus is placed on the shifting nutritional landscape of the Irish pig industry. As litter sizes continue to grow—increasing by 2.6 pigs per litter in the last decade alone—the industry is approaching a point where average born-alive figures could soon mirror the Danish benchmark of 18.5 piglets....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
In the modern swine industry, maximizing feed intake during lactation is one of the most critical challenges for ensuring both piglet growth and sow longevity. High-performing sows face immense metabolic demands, often requiring nutrient levels that exceed their natural appetite. Todd Thurman, in a detailed analysis published by Swine Insights International, explores the tactical approaches necessary to bridge the gap between a sow’s nutritional requirements and her actual consumption....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
Join Patricia Jazo, Director of FIGAP, as she invites the industry to FIGAP 2026, happening October 21–23 at Expo Guadalajara. A global meeting point for equipment, machinery, and now expanded nutrition—bringing the entire production chain together in one place. ...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 5
Updated Vitamin Requirements Across Species: Microvit® Nutrition Guide
Suggested link
Effective sow management is a cornerstone of modern pig production, directly impacting herd productivity and overall farm profitability. Proper care and nutrition of sows not only improve reproductive performance, but also enhance piglet health and survival rates. As swine production becomes more intensive and...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 1
I have a sow in its second month of pregnancy who ate well the 60 first days, but now everything changes, and it doesn´t want to eat anything,and when it drinks water then it vomits with a yellow colour and with a strong smell. We gave it antibiotics to stop the pain but we had no luck. We are desesperated since 8 days has passed by in the same situation. What do you think? ...
Comments : 53
Recommendations: 1
A Longer Adaptation Period to a Functional Amino Acid-supplemented Diet Improves Growth Performance and Attenuates Acute-phase Response in Salmonella Typhimurium-challenged Pigs
Suggested link
Introduction: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of tilmicosin in the lactation diet of sows on sow and litter performance after an unplanned exposure to PPRS. Materials and Methods: One hundred ninety Sogeporc hybrid (Yorkshire-Landrace, 50:50) sows were blocked based on parity (1st, 2nd, 3rd or more), weight and P2 back fat thickness at farrowing assigned to one of two dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
For a long time, the topic of fibre supplementation for the sow was only discussed in connection with the prevention of constipation in the period close to birth. In recent years, fibre supplementation has been increasingly used in the context of positively influencing the performance of sows and piglets. The genetic progress made in sows in recent years represents a major challenge for management. The number of weaned piglets is increasing worldwide (Fig. 1). Modern sows wean 33-35...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
The True Future of the Agribusiness and Livestock Sector in 2026
Suggested link
Mike Tokach (Kansas State University) talks about sow body condition and its effect on reproductive performance, during the Nutrimas workshop....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
Mike Tokach (Kansas State University) comments on different levels of feed intake, during the Nutrimas workshop....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
Mike Tokach (Kansas State University) comments on trends in sow nutrition, litter size and nutrient requirements, during the Nutrimas workshop....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
Mike Tokach (Kansas State University) explains changes in piglet body weight and sow milk production, during the Nutrimas workshop....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 2
Overview of Performance of Listed Vitamin Companies in 2023
Suggested link
Introduction: The EU has prohibited the use of gestating crates for pregnant sows. However, keeping pregnant sows in an individual crate is still widely used in Asian countries. As modern type of group housed sows with individual feeding, electronic sow feeding (ESF) system is introduced in EU. However, a few studies were conducted to figure out the long-term and carry-over effects of static group during gestation to lactation on reproductive performance and physical activities...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
Bruno Silva (Professor and Researcher, Federal University of Minas Gerais) explains how important precision feeding is when controlling sow intake, in this Engormix interview....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 1
Bruno Silva (Professor and Researcher, Federal University of Minas Gerais) shares his practical experience in sow productivity, gestation, lactation, and transition diets, in this Engormix interview....
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 1
Bruno Silva (Professor and Researcher, Federal University of Minas Gerais) comments on the different considerations and conditions regarding sow feed intake, in this Engormix interview.
...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
...
Comments : 2
Recommendations: 0
Introduction: Animal welfare, has been traditionally evaluated by measuring level of aggression and stress parameters. However, feeding behavior can also provide a valuable indication of comfort or stress for gestating sows in large groups, when fed with ESF systems. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Albesa-Ramadera a 3300 sow, Site 1 farm, based in Catalonia, Spain. The farm has large group gestation (128 to 175 sows per group) and utilizes...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
Updated Vitamin Requirements Across Species: Microvit® Nutrition Guide
Suggested link
INTRODUCTION Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by different fungal species, Fusarium being responsible for most contamination of feedstuffs in the field. Among more than 400 identified mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are of most concern for the pig industry. Pigs are very sensitive to both DON and ZEN. When acute dietary exposure occurs, DON can lead to vomiting and feed refusal (1), whereas ZEN has oestrogenic effects (2). However, in practice, acute...
Comments : 1
Recommendations: 0
Introduction: Increased litter sizes due to hyper prolific sows have led to litters with up to 30% of piglets being born with signs of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and thereby needing additional care or/and nutritional supplements. Up to 48 % of piglets that die before weaning have empty stomachs, and it is estimated that piglets need at least 250 g of colostrum within the first 24 hours to survive. It has previously been estimated that IUGR piglets only...
Comments : 0
Recommendations: 0
