Source: National Hog Farmer
Feeding newly weaned pigs the right nursery diet is critical—but nutrition begins much earlier, with the sow’s lactation diet. Since piglets rely solely on colostrum and milk before transitioning to solids, supporting the sow’s nutritional health is vital for both her recovery and the piglets’ development. Factors like heat, feed composition, and parity influence a sow’s intake. Hot weather can reduce consumption by up to a pound daily, and excessive soybean meal can suppress appetite, especially in younger sows.
Targeting lactation diets specifically for parity 1 and 2 sows, who eat less than older counterparts, ensures they can nurse effectively and recover faster post-weaning. For piglets, the nursery diet should start with high lactose and lower crude protein. Sugar, steam-rolled oats, and crumble-form feeds help promote eating and reduce scours. Gradual transitions to second-phase diets prevent feed rejection. Altogether, tailored nutrition for both sows and piglets is key to herd health and productivity.