Effect of feeding strategy on piglet growth and survival and milk production of loose-housed lactating sows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test how an increased number of daily feedings and different dosing speeds affect piglet growth and survival, sow BW and back fat thickness, and milk production of loose-housed lactating sows. A total of 424 parity 1 to 5 sows were allotted to one of three feeding strategies. All sows were fed the same lactation diets according to the same feeding curves. The control group (Fast3) was fed three times per day, and the entire ration was dosed at one time (high speed) into the trough. In the second group (Slow3), sows were also fed three times per day, but here, the ration was dosed at slow speed doses of 100 g of feed followed by a 60 second pause before feeding the next 100 g dose, resulting in sows standing up for >20 min/feeding. In group three (Slow6), sows were fed six times per day at low speed. A colostrum sample was taken 12 h after farrowing and analyzed for DM, lactose, protein, casein, fat, immunoglobulins, and zinc. After farrowing, litters were standardized to 15 piglets. At standardization, d 6, d17, and at weaning, litter weight, litter size, sow BW and back fat thickness were registered. Milk samples were obtained at d 6 and 17 and analyzed for DM, lactose, protein, casein, fat, and zinc. Feed intake was greater in the Fast3 (7.62 kg/d) sows than in the Slow3 (7.45 kg/d) and Slow6 (7.50 kg/d) sows (P < 0.001). Sows in all three groups had the same litter size at weaning, average milk yield, and average daily litter gain. The composition of colostrum was not affected by feeding strategy. At d 6, the milk content and total daily output of DM, fat, protein, casein, and lactose were unaffected by feeding strategy. There was a higher zinc concentration in the milk of Fast3 sows compared to Slow6 sows (P < 0.05) at d 6 of lactation. The DM, protein, and fat concentrations and total daily output of nutrients were not affected by feeding strategy at d 17. The lactose concentration of the milk at d 17 was lower in Slow3 sows than in Fast3 and Slow6 sows (P < 0.05). The body weight and back fat thickness of sows were similar in all three groups. In conclusion, slower dosing of the feed ration or more daily feedings did not affect piglet survival.