Feeding Programs

Feeding Programs for the Gestating Female

The gestation-feeding program should supply sufficient nutrients to meet the maintenance needs for gilts and sows as well as their foetuses. 

Feeding Gilts

Initially gilts and sows should be treated differently in gestation. Research has shown that higher feeding levels in the early stages of pregnancy for gilts can lead to reductions of embryo survival resulting in decreased litter size.

General feeding and management guidelines include;

• Mate Gilts > 135 kg and feed 2kg/day for first 3 weeks after mating
• Gilts should be fed to condition score 3 from weeks 4-13
• Feed intake can be increased 14-16 weeks
• Reduce feed intake to 2.2 kg/day 3 –5 days prior to farrowing if your herd has experienced farrowing problems and/or udder engorgement.

Feeding Sows

Sows pregnancy can simply be divided into 2 main stages, weeks 1-13 and weeks 14-16.

• Sows should be fed to condition score 3 from weeks 1-13
• Feed intake can be increased 14-16 weeks
• Reduce feed intake to 2.2 kg/day 3 –5 days prior to farrowing if your herd has experienced farrowing problems and/or udder engorgement.

Important

If the environmental temperature is below 18°C for sows housed in stalls, increase the feed allowance per sow by 60 grams for each 1°C drop below 18°C. 

Condition Scoring

A way good of determining if a sow and her developing piglets are receiving the correct feeding level is routine herd condition scoring. This is done by visually appraising the sows and feeling for the prominence of the vertebrae just in front of the hips.

• This should be completed every 30 days during gestation starting at weaning.
• Contact your Ridley AgriProducts Territory Manager for assistance in herd condition scoring.

Compiled By:
Jodie Boyce, Ridley AgriProducts - Territory Manager

Acknowledgments:
Mating and Reproduction (2004 edition) APL publication & Breeding Herd Nutrition guide.  (Hubbards Feeds Inc.)

Back to top