The development of not only the animal, but also the future piglets depends on the feeding habits of the sow. The type of diet also influences the adult's ability to bear offspring. What you can feed a sow after farrowing at home is determined by several factors. It should be taken into account that during this period the animal’s diet increases by 2 times.
Factors on which feed rates depend
Feed supply rates are determined by the following factors:
- total weight of the pig;
- age of the animal;
- volume of body fat;
- the current period of the productive phase.
Sows under two years of age are considered growing. That is, during this period it is recommended to give feed that is appropriate for young animals.
There are three periods of the productive phase:
- Fertilization (lasts at least five days). This period is defined as the period of time from the weaning of piglets until the next successful conception.
- Pregnancy (from fertilization to the 115th day).
- Lactation (lasts about 28 days). The period is defined as the time interval between farrowing and weaning of piglets from the sow.
Each period of the productive phase is characterized by its own characteristics that determine the nature of feeding.
Types of feeding
For sows, 2 types of feeding are used: mixed feed and combined. The first is recommended for large livestock farms with large livestock.
In this case, sows are given complete feed, each of which corresponds to the current period of the productive phase, and plenty of drink.
According to the second option, dairy products, food waste, hay (green grass) and grains are introduced into the animals' diet. Additionally, sows on combined feeding are given BMVD, which enriches the food with vitamins.
What to feed sows at different times
On average, the productive phase of sows lasts 148 days. That is, during this period it is necessary to take into account the given recommendations for preparing a diet.
Fertilization period
In the absence of diseases during this period, the volume of feed provided is not reduced. This is explained by the fact that after the end of lactation, the sow is ready for fertilization 5 days after weaning the piglets. If necessary, the amount of feed given to the animal is increased to 4-5 kilograms per day.This diet option increases the likelihood of successful conception. However, this requires proper nutrition that provides sufficient nutrients and energy.
Before fertilization, sows are recommended to be given:
- root-tuberous fruits or melons;
- hay flour;
- legume ladders;
- dairy, meat and fish waste.
After fertilization, the volume of daily feed should not exceed 2.5 kilograms. If this indicator is exceeded, some embryos may die.
Pregnancy period
This period is divided into low and high pregnancy. The first ends at the 12th week and is characterized by the fact that sows need moderate feeding. At this stage of pregnancy, the needs of the adult animal’s body do not differ from those before fertilization. However, it is recommended to include foods rich in fiber in your diet. Such food provides a feeling of fullness.
Highly pregnant sows up to the 16th week require large amounts of feed. This is due to the fact that at this stage the embryos reach large sizes. Therefore, the pig’s body consumes more nutrients and vitamins, which are used for the development of future piglets.
Highly pregnant animals are fed:
- crushed grain mixture (up to 60% of the diet);
- fresh vegetables (30%);
- grass or hay (10%);
- dairy products or cake.
Closer to childbirth, it is recommended to increase the share of highly nutritious feeds by 2 times, while reducing the amount of daily consumption. In the first weeks of pregnancy, pigs need to be given up to 10-12 liters of water, in the last weeks - 12-15 liters. At this stage, pregnant animals gain 40 kilograms, and young animals (up to two years old) gain 0-30% less.
Lactation period
After birth, pigs need plenty of fluids. To quench thirst, a large trough with clean water is placed next to the animal. Also, some farmers dilute sugar or glucose in the liquid (one tablespoon per liter), as these substances help to restore strength faster.
For the first time, animals can be fed after birth 6-8 hours later, giving a liquid mixture of crushed oats and bran with a volume of no more than two liters. In the future, you need to gradually increase the amount of food. Lactating pigs should be given 2-3 times more feed than during pregnancy. During this period it is recommended to introduce:
- products containing fiber (up to 8% of the feed volume);
- feed oil (1-3%);
- fishmeal (1-2%).
In order for the sow to produce more milk, it is recommended to use concentrates in combination with boiled potatoes or root vegetables. In the first days after farrowing, they give 2-4 kilograms of feed, then 3 kilograms. Starting from the second week, the pig switches to full nutrition. During this period, it is necessary to introduce roughage, highly nutritious and succulent feed into the diet, which also enhances milk production.
To feed lactating animals, it is necessary to purchase feed with a high content of amino acids and minerals. This is due to the fact that when milk is produced, the body quickly loses fats and protein. It is equally important to provide the right living conditions for the sow. After farrowing, it is necessary to maintain the temperature at 18-20 degrees and feed, strictly observing hygiene standards.
