By Jamie Martin
A recent study conducted in Arkansas sheds light on the advantages of implementing a slow-growth diet for swine. By feeding young female breeding pigs a low-nutrient diet before breeding, researchers observed positive outcomes in piglet production and sow longevity.
Traditionally, feeding female breeding pigs the same as terminal line pigs often leads to challenges such as overweight pigs at breeding age and post-lactation weight loss.
The study found that pigs on a low-nutrient diet before breeding exhibited lighter weights initially but experienced less weight loss during lactation compared to those on a normal diet.
Additionally, pigs on the low-nutrient diet demonstrated greater backfat thickness, indicating improved nutrient utilization. Importantly, this dietary approach did not impact conception rates and resulted in significantly higher piglet production over multiple reproductive cycles.
These findings suggest that adopting slow-growth diets for female pigs before breeding could have substantial benefits for swine health and productivity. Further research is underway to explore additional strategies for enhancing sow longevity and reducing industry losses.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-seastock
Categories: National