Optimising sow body condition with the right energy balance
Maintaining the right energy balance during various stages of production ensures a sow's optimal body condition and performance. During gestation, the body condition score should not become too high, while during lactation, losses in condition score should be limited. This can pose a significant challenge for producers, as nutritional demands during lactation are very high while feed intake capacity is often limited.
How to recognise
Sows who gain too much weight during gestation are more likely to experience farrowing problems.
Conversely, sows who lose too much weight during lactation may experience fertility challenges in subsequent cycles.
The impact on the farmer
A less optimal sow body condition leads to decreased piglet production over their entire lifetime. Fewer piglets weaned per sow means a reduction in the producer’s overall profits.
Excellent sow management is a combination of good health practices, varied, optimised diets and a sound breeding programme.