Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Modifications or manipulations of the diet are made frequently in an effort to boost the num-
ber of pigs per litter. Temporary reduction in food intake four to six weeks before mating can
raise the piglet number by one or two per litter. This is a remarkable number over the entire
breeding career of a sow.
The normal feeding routine calls for 6 pounds of feed per day. The food intake should be
brought to 7 pounds per day once pregnancy is achieved with an added pound per piglet once
she is nursing. Dietary restrictions during gestation will cause harm to the litter and the sow.
An increased diet after pregnancy will ensure plenty of rich milk for the newborns to drink.
The diet can return to the normal 6 pounds per day once the piglets have been weaned,
provided the sow is in good shape. Make sure she is fit before breeding again.
Keeping the sow happy
A happy sow is a healthy and well-adjusted sow. Pigs enjoy clean and comfortable surround-
ings. Good food and a clean water source are musts when attempting to breed. All water
troughs should be filled with clean water daily. The food should be placed in troughs or self-
feeders that are easily accessible. The less she feels she needs to “fight” for her food, the hap-
pier she will be.
Using high-quality foods is important. This does not always mean the most expensive. There
are actually brands of high quality that do not cost a fortune. Nor does it mean feeding your
pigs swill or garbage. It is important for you to learn what is in the food you feed your pigs
and to buy nutritious food for a fair price. It is worth the investment to grow a healthy herd.
However, you may feed your pigs healthy food scraps from your own kitchen or vegetables
from your garden. Your pigs will enjoy them.
Adding bran to the feed in the week leading up to the birth of a litter will help boost the com-
fort level of the sow. Constipation is not only bothersome, but it can cause fetal distress to the
piglets at birth. It is best to avoid those problems altogether. A nutrient-rich diet during preg-
nancy and suckling keeps the sow healthy. Avoiding large drops in weight during this process
reduces stress on her both emotionally and physically. She will be more likely to take her time
when feeding piglets if she is not experiencing hunger pains herself.
Farrowing
