Production stages of the Sow

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Gilt development It is important to properly develop the gilt if she is to sustain a long and productive life. Necessary development criteria include 300 lb body weight and a minimum of 210 days of age at first mating. To meet these criteria, proper amino acid, energy and mineral intake must be provided. Skeletal strength must also be developed during this period. Replacement gilts should be placed on a gilt developer diet at 180-200 lb and fed ad libitum prior to breeding. It is important for this diet to include all of the vitamins necessary for reproduction. Gestation Feeding programs during gestation should provide adequate nutrient levels for body maintenance, fetal development and continued growth. Nutrient reserves must be developed and replenished during gestation. Daily feeding rate should be monitored and adjusted based on individual sow body condition to meet target condition at farrowing. Properly conditioned sows will have improved productivity and increased longevity in the herd. Lactation Meeting the increased nutrient demands of the highly productive sow during lactation is challenging. To ensure maximum milk production and minimize sow body weight loss, nutrient intake during lactation must match nutrient requirements and production demands. It is critical to maximize nutrient intake through diet formulation, and by implementing feeding and management strategies to enhance feed intake. Lactation diet recommendations are based on production level (litter weight gain per day), daily feed intake, lactation length and weight losses.