In the past 2-3 years, many pig farms in the Netherlands have shifted their focus toward maximizing milk production in sows. Despite adjustments in feeding levels, the amount of milk available per piglet remains inadequate due to the rising number of litters per sow annually. Experts now advise farmers to consider supplementing suckling piglets to ensure their proper growth and development.
Traditionally, sows were fed less before farrowing and then more after giving birth. However, a new feeding strategy encourages sows to consume similar amounts of feed throughout different stages of pregnancy. For sows that are not excessively lean, the daily feed intake is typically around 2.4 kg during the first 7 weeks of gestation. This increases to 2.8 kg between weeks 8-12 and reaches 3 kg per day in the final four weeks. Overfeeding sows just before farrowing can lead to reduced feed intake post-delivery, which may result in lower milk production and even an absence of milk.
Because of the reduced feed intake in the later stages of pregnancy, it's important to compensate for potential deficiencies in trace elements and vitamins. This is usually done by providing nutrient-rich feeds in the days leading up to and following farrowing. Studies have shown that this approach enhances the vitality of newborn piglets, helping them locate teats more quickly and aiding the sow’s recovery after birth. Additionally, sows often experience constipation during labor, so one day before farrowing, they can be given 1% of their body weight in feed—approximately 2 kg for a 200 kg sow. On the day of delivery, this is reduced to 0.5 kg, with plenty of clean water provided. Gradually increasing feed after birth, the amount can be raised from 2 kg to 4 kg per day in the first week, and by day 10, reach 5.5 kg (suitable for sows nursing 9 piglets). Each additional piglet requires an extra 0.4 kg of feed per day.
Modern breeding and management techniques have significantly boosted both the number of litters and milk production in sows. Over the last 30 years, average milk yield per sow has increased by only 100 ml, which pales in comparison to the 0.6–0.8 increase in litter size over the past five years. As a result, piglet supplementation has become essential. The timing of supplementation can begin as early as 4 days of age, but the actual amount consumed by piglets can vary widely—from zero to several hundred grams. This variation is largely influenced by the sow’s lactation pattern. If the sow produces high volumes of milk in the first two weeks, piglets tend to eat more supplemental feed at 3–4 weeks old. Conversely, if milk production peaks in the last two weeks, piglets may not consume much supplementary feed at that stage.
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