Document Type

Article

2001-03

Publication Date

2002

Keywords

Lactating sows, Nutrient deletion, Weaned pig performance

Summary

Sows that are destined to be culled from the herd need only produce milk to support adequate litter growth during the last lactation and need not maintain nutrient stores to support subsequent reproduction processes. Most reduction in lactation performance has been associated with nutrient deficiencies during the gestation period, not nutrient deficiences during lactation. Supplemental sources of trace minerals, vitamins, and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) add cost to the lactation diet. If lactation performance is not affected by nutrient reduction, considerable feed savings could be realized for sows to be culled. Pig performance after weaning is also of concern. Pigs with heavier weights within a weaning group tend to maintain heavier weights in subsequent growth periods. However, pigs that have lighter weights due to nutrient deficiencies tend to exhibit compensatory growth in subsequent growth periods. If weaning weight is affected by nutrient reduction in the lactation diet, evaluation of subsequent pic performance is important. Detrimental effects of nutrient deficiencies on return to estrus after weaning need to be documented to demonstrate the importance of proper nutrition for sows intended to remain in the reproduction pool. Also of concern is the weight of the sow at selling time and its effects on salvage value.

Number of Pages

5

Format

application/pdf

Language

en

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 2001

Share

COinS