Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Traditional breeding is sometimes dangerous for the gilt. Overly aggressive boars can kill a
young female. Mixing a little traditional breeding along with purchasing already pregnant
sows will give you a chance to develop good pairs without compromising initial herd growth.
Feeding for Breeding
A good diet is a major factor in maintaining the health of your breeding hogs. Optimum
breeding performance only can happen if the hogs are healthy and happy. Developing good
feeding habits that your pigs can depend on will produce good results.
The healthy function of the pig's reproductive system depends on good genetics and good
food. Though there is limited control over genetics, you are in the driver's seat when it comes
to food. Read the ingredients of any food before feeding it to your herd. Feeds that contain
nearly all fat-building ingredients are not the best to offer. There needs to be a balance of pro-
tein building blocks to promote healthy gestation.
The more litters produced annually, the higher the toll on the health of the sow. Feeding for
pig breeding involves much more than daily sustenance. It is just as important to consider re-
plenishing nutrients that are drained in producing each litter of pigs.
Gestation
The average length of gestation for sows is 114 days. During this time, the sow should be fed
4 to 6 pounds of quality mixed food per day. Weight gain is necessary at this time to prepare
for feeding the piglets. Avoid commercial foods that add antimicrobials, as they are passed on
to the piglets through the milk. A better solution to illness prevention is to feed the sow a
healthy mixture of mixed grains, alfalfa, red clover hay, and table scraps. The added minerals
and vitamins will build the immune system and create nutrient-rich milk for the piglets.
Roughly 50 percent of the diet should consist of mixed grain. Too much alfalfa or table scraps
will cause loose stools. This can lead to dehydration issues and affect the milk production.
Field grazing is encouraged as long as it is not close to her due date. Maintain the 7 pounds
per day of food along with the grazing. The energy expended will cancel out the calories
taken in.
Dietary modifications
