Feeding and management characteristics of lactating sows

The management goals for lactating sows are twofold: first, to increase milk production in order to support the healthy growth and development of piglets, and second, to minimize sow losses during the lactation period, ensuring that they return to estrus promptly after weaning. To achieve these objectives, the following key practices must be implemented: First, it is essential to manage feed intake before and after farrowing carefully. Sow diets should be gradually increased to ensure a smooth rise in milk production postpartum. However, overfeeding immediately after birth is a common issue in many farms. Excessive feeding can lead to sows refusing to eat on the day of birth or consuming large amounts of energy, resulting in high feed intake but weak physical condition and poor digestion. This often leads to reduced appetite in the following days, vomiting, and even mistaken diagnosis as inflammation. Even if digestion is normal, this can cause mastitis, postpartum fever, and diarrhea in piglets. Second, lactation feed should be rich in energy and high-quality protein. Including fish meal in the diet is highly recommended, along with about 5% soy lecithin or other fat supplements to enhance energy levels. Third, providing appropriate green feed and ensuring a constant supply of clean drinking water is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of lactating sows. Fourth, before and after weaning, feed amounts should be gradually reduced. Ideally, the daily feed should be lowered from 5.0 kg to 2 kg or even 1 kg within the first week after weaning. On the day of weaning, reducing feed helps encourage piglets to eat more solid feed while also preventing mastitis in the sow. Fifth, if sows experience low milk production, the underlying causes should be identified and treated accordingly. For example, if a sow is underweight and lacks milk, increasing her intake of high-protein and high-energy feeds can help. If she is too fat, offering more green, juicy feed combined with specific medications may be beneficial. Medications such as oxytocin injections or traditional Chinese galactagogues can also be used. Mixing fish soup into the feed, especially with carp, has proven effective in stimulating milk production. Feeding requirements for lactating sows should begin from the 7th day postpartum, allowing free access to feed. The general daily amount is around 1.5–1.0 kg, plus an additional 0.5 kg depending on the number of piglets. During hot weather, feed 3–4 times per day, and in colder seasons, 2–3 times. Avoid continuous use of antibiotics in piglets, and try to introduce solid feed early to reduce stress on the sow. Early weaning, ideally between 28 to 35 days, is recommended to optimize both sow and piglet performance.

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