Nutrition and Feeding for Optimum Reproductive Performance

Since 1970, sow reproductive performance and prolificacy has improved dramatically. Today’s sow is genetically quite different. She is larger framed, with less back fat and more lean body tissue, besides having higher reproductive demands. The prolific, high-lean sow can raise more pigs per year, but also produce more milk resulting in heavier pigs at weaning. However, swine operations have a higher culling rate from their high-lean breeding herds. Therefore, several management practices need to be changed to ensure longevity especially the nutritional programs and feeding patterns of the reproducing female. The prolific, high-lean, latermaturing sow has different nutrient requirements than the traditional sow. Today’s sow requires a much more nutrient dense diet based on her body composition, growth pattern, and feed intake. This paper will focus on the nutrition and feeding programs of the breeding herd to improve reproductive performance. The focus will not be in one reproductive area because all facets of sow productivity impacts another subsequent period in the life cycle. The nutrition and feeding topics to be discussed will be 1) the boar to maximize semen quality and quantity, 2) replacement gilt development to ensure longevity, 3) gestation feeding patterns, 4) feeding during the re-breeding period, and 5) maximizing lactation feeding intake.