23ed Nov 06 | The importance of feed reduction prior to farrowing

Overfeeding prior to farrowing is one of the most common reasons for reduced lactation feed intake and a range of other problems, PPT director Bernard Peet told delegates at the Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium, held in Saskatoon on November 14-15.

“As the sow approaches farrowing, the rate of passage of feed through the gut slows down causing the concentration of E. Coli in the hind gut to increase,” he explained. “This is exacerbated by feeding too much.” Toxins produced by the E. Coli get into the bloodstream and affect the uterine muscles resulting in a slower farrowing and more stillbirths. E. Coli may also colonize the udder, leading to mastitis.

Bernard pointed out that overfeeding causes too much milk to be produced prior to farrowing causing the udder to shut down milk production. Then, when piglets are born, there is inadequate milk available, leading to starvation and loss of body condition. “The sow’s milk production eventually recovers but piglets are small for their age and unable to digest the volume of milk consumed, leading to scouring at 7-10 days of age,” he said. “Sows that are fed too much prior to farrowing will eat less in lactation and are much more likely to ‘stall’ out” at 7-10 days. Therefore, feed intake should be reduced to 2.0kg/day for sows and 1.8kg/day for gilts for 4-5 days prior to the expected farrowing date.”

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