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Pig Journal Volume: 66
Publication date: December 2011

General Section

SOW NUTRITION AND FEEDING UPDATE
S.JAGGER

Abstract
The increase in weight of a sow and level of productivity has had significant impacts on the level of energy and protein required for optimum productivity. The under supply of nutrients, particularly during lactation, has been demonstrated to reduce fertility and embryo survival. The energy and amino acid requirement of the pregnant animal is largely governed by the maintenance requirement but in early parities the requirement for maternal growth is also significant. The source of energy supplied has been shown to be important as during gestation, glucose is the primary source of energy for the uterus and developing foetus, and during lactation glucose is necessary for milk production through the production of lactose and fat. The complex endocrine nutrition interactions are gradually being revealed and the interaction of glucose and insulin is one of the key components that affects oocyte maturation and piglet vitality. The survival of piglets may be increased by controlling insulin levels to reduce hypoglycaemic shock, and litter size can be increased by utilising functional amino acids. The effects of protein during late gestation and early lactation have been reported which increase survival through an increase in oestrogen. Nutrient supply during lactation is vital since any degree of restriction can reduce subsequent reproductive performance. Future work examining fertility and piglet survival would be invaluable in driving the efficiency of pig production.

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