Nutrition has the largest impact on litter size prior to mating and just after. It is necessary to monitor the sow herd during the year, especially when seasonal changes occur. Lactation rations are higher in energy than gestation rations and should be fed where indicated. The proper type of fat must be added to lactation rations. Some vegetable oils may cause palatability problems and will reduce consumption, which will decrease litter size and weaning weights.
It is NOT possible to visually score Babcock gilts and sows as to their physical condition. The only accurate evaluation method is measurement with a backfat detector at point P2 (P2 is forward approximately 4" from the last rib, 2 ¾" off the midline). The ideal is to maintain ¾" (19mm) of fat cover throughout gestation and lactation. Do not exceed 1" (25mm). There are seasonal effects that will increase and decrease backfat. Producers may be surprised to find that their Babcock sows are well under this ideal level, which means they can be losing up to one pig per litter. Measurements should be taken at weaning, during gestation at days 35, 84, and again at move to farrowing. Measure all sows and gilts to effectively implement the correct feeding program for your herd.
NOTE: If the female’s backfat measurement is below the ideal, feed the higher amounts when a range is suggested. Weigh feed in gestation frequently, do not trust the weight shown on the overhead boxes or size of feed scoops.
Feeding Guide for Gilts and Sows
PRIOR TO MATING:
- GILTS - 230 DAYS TO MATING
FULL FEED LACTATION RATION (min. 7.5#)
- WEANED SOWS – TO MATING
FULL FEED LACTATION RATION (min. 7.5#)
MATING THROUGH MOVE TO FARROWING: (GILTS AND SOWS)
- MATING THROUGH DAY 10
3# MAXIMUM GESTATION RATION PER DAY
- DAY 10 THROUGH DAY 35
4# - 5# GESTATION RATION PER DAY
- DAY 36 THROUGH DAY 83
5# - 7# GESTATION RATION PER DAY
- DAY 84 TO MOVE TO FARROW
8# - 9# GESTATION RATION PER DAY
MOVE TO FARROW THROUGH WEANING: (GILTS AND SOWS)
- MOVE TO FARROW THROUGH DAY 113
1# LACTATION RATION PER FEEDING (2 x PER DAY)
- DAY 1 FARROWING
½# LACTATION RATION PER DAY
- DAY 2 LACTATION
1# LACTATION RATION PER FEEDING (2 x PER DAY)
- DAY 3 LACTATION
2# LACTATION RATION PER FEEDING (2 x PER DAY)
- DAY 4 LACTATION
3# LACTATION RATION PER FEEDING (2 x PER DAY)
- DAY 5 THROUGH WEANING
Increase lactation ration by 1# each feeding (2 x per day), each day until the sow will not clean up the previous feeding within 60 minutes, then back off ½# for one feeding. Increase feed by ½# the following day to assure that the sow has reached maximum consumption. If the sow cleans up her next feeding, continue increasing feed by 1# until the sow has reached maximum consumption.
Sow Conditioning Program Quick Tips
Tip #1
If you're using Babcock's Sow Conditioning Program, try using fluorescent paint on the backs of the females to identify the feed level required for each female. Fluorescent paint will last much longer than stock crayons, or even regular spray paint. Since there are basically three different feeding levels, choose three different colors of paint. We use green, yellow and red for each feeding level, for example:
| BACKFAT MEASUREMENT |
PAINT COLOR |
| > 18 mm |
Green |
| 16 mm to 18 mm |
Yellow |
| < 16 mm |
Red |
To implement this system, mark the females as they are tested. When feeding, if a sow is marked green, she should be fed the minimum level shown in the feeding guide. If a sow is marked red, she should be fed the maximum level shown, and if marked yellow, she should be fed the amount half way between the minimum and maximum amounts. Continue feeding the sow at these levels until the next feed change, when females are tested again. Females should be marked each time a feed change is called for and each time they are tested. When marking sows, to avoid confusion, it may help to mark sows in a different place each time they are tested. For example, if sows are marked crosswise across their backs, the first mark could be closest to her tail, and each new mark made a few inches closer to her head.
Tip #2
When backfat testing, try using motor oil (80 - 110 weight), or heavyweight vegetable oil instead of ultrasound gel. Using a heavy oil will give you a much faster backfat reading through the bristled hair of the females than the gels.
Tip #3
Following is a sample of a quick reference chart that is useful to have when feeding females in the breeding/gestation area. If you would like a card specifically for your herd, after you have determined the correct feeding levels and color coding system for your herd, give this information to your Babcock Territory Manager, and we will make a laminated card specifically for your herd.
The Economic Impact of PRRS