AS-408 • 1973

animal sciences
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907
Feeding systems and Rations for Gestating sows
H. l/l/. Jones. V. B Mayrose and J. R. Foster, Animal Sciences Department
FOUR COMMON FEEDING METHODS
The ideal feeding system for sows during gestation is one that: (a) results in good reproductive performance, (b) prevents excessive feed consumption, (c) permits use of an economical ration, and (d) minimizes labor while allowing for adequate observation of the sows. Several different feeding methods will provide such benefits to the swine producer. This publication describes four of these methods and suggests various gestation rations that could be used with any of them.
1. Individual Feeding Stalls (Figure 1)
This system is ideal for controlling the level of feed intake for each sow. Other advantages include: the opportunity for close individual daily observation; less fighting among sows with, perhaps, fewer stillbirths; and the flexibility to feed gilts and sows together. The two main disadvantages of individual
Figure 1. Individual feeding stalls help control the sows' feed intake. Properly-designed stalls (about 20 inches wide and at least 6 feet long) allow timid sows equal access to the feed while preventing aggressive ones from over-eating.
stalls are their cost and the labor required for the feeding operation. Labor is particularly a problem when a single set of stalls must serve several groups of sows.
Some feeding stalls have rear gates to permit locking the sows in the stalls. If this is not possible, it is important that the stalls be of such dimensions as to discourage movement of sows from stall to stall. Proper dimensions are: no more than 20 inches wide and at least 6 feet long.
2. Interval Feeding (Figure 2)
Under this system, sows are permitted access to a self-feeder for a period of time at various time intervals. One common interval feeding program is: access to the self feeder for 8 to 1 2 hours at a time two or three times per week. The main advantage of this system is the low labor requirement. Disadvantages could be the lack of control of feed intake and failure to observe the sows daily.
Figure 2. Interval feeding is a self-feeding system, with intake controlled by the amount of time sows have access to the feeder. Because of length of each feeding period, it is not necessary that feeder space be provided for all sows.