Application of a precision feeding strategy for gestating sows

Simulations of precision feeding (PF) in which gestating sows were individually fed a daily mixture two diets with different amino acid contents indicated reduction protein intake, feed costs, and environmental losses compared to conventional single diet (CF). These results have not been verified on farm. Thus, the objective present study was compare effect this PF strategy productive reproductive performances CF strategy. As effects such has reported yet sows’ behavior (frequency visits time spent feeder), it constituted second study. The experiment included 131 divided into strategies regarding their parity body weight at insemination. Feed supply similar for strategies. matched those from simulations as reduced lysine ingestion around 25%, therefore nitrogen excretion 18.5%, costs by 3.4 euros per gestation or 8 ton feed. Phosphorus intake also (around 8% 9%, respectively). Reproductive performance, defined number piglets litter weight, affected All usually ate ration one “feeding visit.” did constant “non-feeding visits” feeder during (on average 4.25 visits/d), while more non-feeding beginning 4.42 visits/d) less end 3.69 than (P < 0.01). 54% visits, 46% visits. (32.4 vs. 29.7 min/d, respectively, P Time over (35.3 29.2 respectively) increased gestation. In conclusion, can be used reduce without influencing performance reducing costs. Feeding behaviors barely but may serve management indicators detect sick injured animals.