Feeding lactating sows: a practical, individual approach
21 June 2023
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4 minutes
A Practical Approach to Performance and Recovery
Modern sows can rear larger litters and produce substantial amounts of milk. However, even within the same herd, individual sows can differ considerably in milk production, body condition, appetite and feed requirements. That is why one standard feeding curve does not always deliver the best result. A practical lactation strategy should allow farmers to respond to the individual sow without making daily management unnecessarily complicated.
Why Individual Feeding Matters
Milk production can vary significantly between sows. Parity, litter size, body condition and expected body-weight loss all influence the amount of feed and energy a sow requires during lactation.
In practice, however, many sows receive the same lactation feed and follow a similar feeding curve, often ending at the same maximum feed level. This creates two potential problems:
- High-producing sows may receive too little feed, particularly during early lactation.
- Sows with lower production requirements may receive more energy than they need later in lactation.
A more flexible approach helps bring feed supply closer to the sow’s actual requirements.
The First Two Weeks: Prepare Before You Push
During the period around farrowing, the sow naturally starts using body reserves. Trying to maximise feed intake immediately before farrowing is therefore not always the best approach.
The priority should be to keep the sow fit, support the transition into lactation and create the right conditions for a good appetite after farrowing.
A dedicated transition feed can help by:
- Supporting normal intestinal function with an appropriate fibre profile
- Supplying gradual energy through the fermentation of fibre
- Supporting physiological processes with carefully selected fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and other functional ingredients
Once the sow has farrowed, is standing comfortably and shows a good appetite, feed levels can be increased. The individual sow’s behaviour, appetite and trough condition should always guide this decision.
Pull First, Then Push
The early-lactation strategy can be described as PULL before PUSH.
First, create the conditions that encourage the sow to eat voluntarily. Then increase the feed supply in line with the sow’s appetite and production.
This is more effective than pushing feed when the sow is not ready to consume it. The objective is not simply to offer as much feed as possible. The aim is to maintain consistent intake while supporting milk production and controlling body-condition loss.
The Second Half of Lactation: Prepare for the Next Litter
Feeding decisions made during the second half of lactation can influence the sow’s condition at weaning and the start of the next reproductive cycle.
Not every sow needs the same amount of feed at this stage. Requirements may be lower when milk production or litter demand is lower. Continuing to increase feed automatically can then create an unwanted positive energy balance.
Around ten days after farrowing, assess the individual sow using practical indicators such as:
- Litter size
- Estimated milk production
- Body condition
- Appetite
- Trough cleanliness
- Current feed intake
This creates a logical decision point for maintaining, increasing or adjusting the feeding curve.
Aim for an Optimal Negative Energy Balance
Some mobilisation of body reserves during lactation is natural. The goal is therefore not to eliminate negative energy balance completely, but to keep it within an appropriate range.
Swinco calls this the optimal negative energy balance. It means supplying enough nutrients to support milk production and sow health while making controlled use of the sow’s natural capacity to mobilise energy reserves.
This requires regular observation rather than applying one fixed feeding curve to every animal.
An effective approach on farm can be summarised in five steps:
- Support the transition period
Keep the sow fit and prepare the digestive and metabolic systems for lactation. - Observe appetite after farrowing
Increase feed when the sow is active, standing and eating well. - Pull before you push
Encourage voluntary feed intake before increasing feed levels more aggressively. - Review the sow during lactation
Use body condition, litter demand, appetite and trough cleanliness to assess individual requirements. - Adjust during the second half of lactation
Match the feed supply to estimated milk production and prepare the sow for the next litter.
From a Standard Feeding Curve to Individual Decisions
Individual feeding does not have to mean a complicated system with continuous adjustments. A few well-chosen decision moments can make the feeding programme both practical and responsive. By combining farm observations, measurable data and a clear feeding structure, farmers can make better decisions for each sow while keeping daily routines manageable.
This is the Swinco approach: translating nutritional knowledge and farm data into clear actions that work in daily practice.
Ready to Review Your Lactation Feeding Strategy?
Every herd, feeding system and sow is different. Swinco’s specialists combine nutritional knowledge with practical farm experience to help develop feeding programmes that match your animals, facilities and production goals.
Contact Swinco to discuss a practical lactation feeding strategy for your farm.
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About the author
Suzanne Hendrikx
Specialist Swine