More Milk Production for Better Piglet Performance
Getting better piglet performance starts with higher quantity and quality milk production. Phytogenic feed additives can support both, write Richard Markus, Assistant to Development Director and Christine Hunger, Product Manager Phytogenics.Modern sows with adequate genetics and nutrition can produce approximately 10 to 12 kilograms of milk per day. Piglets’ growth rate during the pre-weaning period relies considerably on the quantity and quality of the milk production.
Sow nutrition during gestation and lactation will influence the litter size and weight at farrowing and weaning, with a direct impact on animal health and breeder’s profitability. Up to 30% of early piglet mortalities can be attributed to a lack of adequate nutrition that could be due to inadequate sow milk production. In order to maximize milk production in sows, several factors have to be take into account. Table 1 provides a number of tips to reach this goal.