Lactation – Supporting a high number of nursing piglets

Feeding for high milk yield to maximise the number of nursing piglets

DanBred breeding animals comes with an extraordinary genetic potential for reproductive performance. Focussed attention to management and feeding during lactation has proven to support immediate piglet growth as well as improve lifetime productivity.

Correct feeding and water supply will increase productivity

Among one of the most important maternal breeding goals for the DanBred female is live piglets on day 5 or LP5. This breeding goal not only supports piglet liveability and viability but also the development of sow milking and rearing capacity.

Careful attention to water and feeding during lactation is vital to reach the full potential for maximising piglet growth. The greatest component in sow milk is water, and it is estimated a sow placed in the temperate climate zone needs a water intake of approximately 25-35 litres per day when milk production peaks (generally 3 weeks into lactation) (DPRC, 2010; DPRC, 2013).  

Increasing water intake by optimising water flow, quality, placement and type of drinkers will have a positive effect on piglet growth and total litter gain (Fraser & Phillips, 1989). To ensure the targeted water intake is reached by the sows, it is recommended to have a minimum flow rate of at least 4 litres per minute (which should be checked regularly).

Feeding throughout lactation must ensure that weight loss does not exceed 5 % of the total sow body weight in order to reach optimum wean-to-service interval in subsequent litters (Thaker & Bilkei, 2005). Maintaining average body condition throughout lactation will furthermore impact the number of eggs developed, maximising the size of the following litter (DPRC, 2013).

To increase lactation consumption, it is recommended to feed at least 3-4 times per day throughout the entire lactation period. Additionally, coarse grinding of feed will help optimise stomach health (DPRC, 2013).

Milk yield is naturally increasing during early lactation, which why feed allowance should increase gradually with daily adjustments. The aim is to reach the maximum feed allowance by around day 16 when milk yield is starting to peak (DPRC, 2013).

Trials have shown a linear relationship between the number of piglets with the sow and milk yield. A larger number of piglets with the sow will give a stronger stimulation of the udder resulting in a greater milk yield and result in subsequent litter weight gain. This highlights the importance of letting as many piglets as possible nurse with each sow (Hansen et. al, 2016). Optimising the equipment to match both sow and litter size is highly recommended, as piglet gain is closely linked to the accessibility of the udder when the sow lays down (DPRC, 2013).

The optimal ambient temperature for sows in lactation is 15-20^∘C whereas the piglets need a temperature around 32-36^∘C. A compromise between the recommendations is therefore needed to optimise both the sow and piglets’ needs.

Easy steps to feed lactating sows

The following recommendations will help achieve maximised litter gain and subsequent litter size.

• Adjust the feed ration individually on a daily basis.
• It is advisable that trained personnel assume the task of daily feed observation and adjustment.
• Empty any leftovers from the troughs before each feeding.
• Feed the sows at least 3 to 4 times a day.

When using 3 to 4 feedings per day, the following example could be used for feeding times:

• 00-08.00
• 00-12.00
• 00-16.00
• and/or 19.00-21.00

Feedings should be done with adequate time spacing in between, depending upon staffing availability and temperature.

Daily feed adjustments for sows eating the full ration:

Feeding curve is based on an energy concentration on 9.8 MJ NE/13.0 MJ ME /1,06 EW per kg feed, containing 8.3 g SID lysine per kg equivalent to 9.4 g total lysin per kg feed.

Gradually increase feed allowance with 8-10 % per day for sows with good appetite.

Maximum feed allowance

• Maximum feed allowance should be reached on lactation day 16.
• Feed 2.4 – 2.9 kg for maintenance and add 0.47 kg per piglet at maximum.
• Sows feeding 14 piglets should be fed around 9.3 kg per day at maximum milk yield. Gilts should be fed 8 kg a day but increase feed allowance if nursing above 12 piglets.

Water for lactating sows:

• Check the water nipples or drinkers and make sure the water flow is good.
• Recommended water flow is at least 4 litres a minute when 20 percent of the sows use the nipples/drinkers.
• Lactating sows need 25-35 litres a day, depending on both on the number of piglets as well as temperature.

References
Danish Pig Research Centre (DPRC) (2010): Grisenes vandbehov. SEGES Videncenter for Svineproduktion. Retrieved 16/02/19 https://svineproduktion.dk/Viden/I-stalden/
Foder/Vand/Vandbehov

Danish Pig Research Centre (DPRC) (2013): Fodring af diegivende søer. SEGES Videncenter for Svineproduktion. Retrieved 16/02/19 https://svineproduktion.dk/Viden/I-stalden/Foder/Udfodring/Diegivende_soeer

Fraser, D.; Phillips, P.A. (1989): Lethargy and Low Water Intake by Sows During Early Lactation: A Cause of Low Piglet Weight Gains and Survival? Applied Animal Behaviour
Science. 24 (1): 13-22

Hansen, A.V; Strathe A.B; Kebreab, E.; France, J.; Theil P.K (2016): Predicting milk yield and composition in lactating sows: a Bayesian approach. Journal of Animal Science.90 (7): 2285-98.

Thaker, M.Y; Bilkei, G. (2005): Lactation weight loss influences subsequent reproductive performance of sows. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 88 (3-4): 309-18.