Detailed Explanation of Key Technical Points for Feeding and Management of Pregnant Sows

  In the early stage of pregnancy, sows gain weight faster than in the later stage, accounting for most of the total weight gain during the whole period, and the vast majority of fat deposition occurs in this stage. This indicates that the early stage of pregnancy in sows is mainly about "regaining condition." Fetal development is slow during this period, so an appropriate low feeding standard should be adopted. However, this is precisely the period when fetal tissues and organs are forming, so the important role of feed protein quality and vitamins in fetal development cannot be overlooked. Although overall the fetus grows slowly in the early stage, the quality of fetal tissue and organ formation is the foundation for rapid fetal development in the later stage.

  In the late stage of pregnancy (that is, the last month of pregnancy), fetal development speeds up noticeably and nutritional requirements increase. The sow's feed intake is reduced by the limitation of abdominal cavity volume, which easily leads to insufficient nutrient supply, especially a reduction or even depletion of body fat. However, under normal feeding conditions, the nutrients absorbed in the early stage still predominate. It can thus be seen that in the late stage, feed volume must be reduced and the quality of the mixed concentrate must be improved, so as to promote fetal development, reduce excessive consumption of body fat, and accumulate nutrients for postpartum recovery of physical strength and early lactation. At the same time, fetal bone development accelerates in the late stage of pregnancy, so mineral requirements must be met.

  Because first-time sows are still in their own growth and development period, they should be fed at a relatively good nutritional level throughout the entire period.

  (1) Stages of feeding methods: According to the characteristics of various pregnant sows, they are divided into three stages: early pregnancy, mid-pregnancy, and late pregnancy.

  Feeding and management in early pregnancy (mating to 30 days of pregnancy):

  (1) Objectives of feeding and management in early pregnancy: 1. Protect the implantation of fertilized eggs. 2. Maximize the embryo survival rate and obtain a high number of piglets born.

  (2) Key points of feeding and management in early pregnancy: 1. Immediately after mating, use restricted feeding to lower the energy level in the sow's feed and increase the embryo survival rate. It is recommended to feed each sow 1.8-2.0 kg per day. 2. Reduce stress responses. The environment for mated sows should be quiet with a moderate temperature, and it is best to raise them in individual pens, which helps embryo survival and implantation. 3. After mating, pay attention to whether there are signs of estrus. If return to estrus occurs 30-40 days after mating, they should be remated.

  2. Feeding and management in mid-pregnancy (31-85 days):

  (1) Objectives of feeding and management in mid-pregnancy: 1. According to the sow's body condition, regulate the sow's condition to ensure it is moderate. 2. Use better feed to promote mammary gland development and lay the foundation for high milk yield after farrowing.

  (2) Key points of feeding and management in mid-pregnancy: 1. The daily feeding amount for first-time and multiparous sows is 2.0-2.5 kg. 2. Restricted feeding.

  Adjust the feeding amount according to body condition. The ideal body shape is a sow with a backfat thickness of 18 mm, with the tailbone palpable at the base of the tail, cylindrical in shape, with a score of 3 points.

  3. Feeding and management in late pregnancy (86-109 days):

  (1) Objectives of feeding and management in late pregnancy: 1. Obtain newborn piglets that are large, robust, and uniform. 2. Increase the nutritional reserves in newborn piglets. 3. Promote the development of the sow's lactation organs.

  (2) Key points of feeding and management in late pregnancy: Appropriately increase the dietary energy level of sows before farrowing. Generally, sows begin incremental feeding 4 weeks before farrowing, and first-time sows begin incremental feeding 3 weeks before farrowing, with a feeding amount of 2.5-3.0 kg/day. In late pregnancy, sows should be raised in individual pens as much as possible to ensure normal fetal development.