10 Pointers: Feeding Sows for More Pigs
By Pork Magazine staff - Getting more pigs out of your sows requires management beyond the breeding barn. Lee Johnston, University of Minnesota nutritionist, says there are 10 nutritional keys to feeding sows and gilts to maximize litter size.
He suggests restricting feed in the gilt pool. Limit feed once gilts reach 240 pounds. “Flush” gilts beginning 14 days before anticipated breeding. This should lead to a 150 percent to 200 percent increase in energy intake, says Johnston.
2. Next, adjust diets to enhance embryo survival. “Flushing after breeding can drop embryo survival,” he notes. “Stop flushing gilts within 24 hours after mating.” This may be difficult to implement in pen-housing systems.
To continue reading this article please Click Here
(Opens in New Browser Window)
Note: You will need to be a registered user of the Pork Site to access this file. Registration is free. Once you have registered you will subsequently be logged in automatically if your browser is set to accept cookies.
January 2003