What are the points to note when raising pregnant sows?

1. Vitamins, especially vitamin A, are more essential; without vitamin A, the sow cannot come into heat or conceive, and even if she conceives, the fetuses develop poorly, and night blindness can result.

2. When green feed is insufficient in winter, fish oil should be used, along with supplementary vitamin B1, B2 and D.

3. Landrace sows lose weight rapidly after farrowing; this is caused by the large number of piglets born, the vigorous development of the piglets, and the relatively fast weight loss of the sow. To prevent weight loss, nutrition must be increased from the gestation period so that the sow has tolerance in advance.

4. The feed given in the 4 weeks before farrowing should be roughly close to the compound feed for lactating sows, so that the sow gradually adapts and sudden changes in appetite and palatability after farrowing do not cause adverse reactions.

5. In the 2-3 days before farrowing, even if the pig has a good appetite, the amount of feed given should be reduced, feeding easily digestible feed mixed with water into a soupy consistency, to reduce feces in the intestines and help farrowing.

6. Do not let the sow exercise strenuously; let her act naturally, and prevent her from slipping. If farrowing occurs in the height of summer, pay attention to ventilation and keep things clean and dry.