In the last few years, new research in sow nutrition has provided evidence that the feeding regimen of gestating sows needs revision. In particular, the change of amino acid requirements from early to late gestation and the energy deficit of young sows in late gestation give a strong indication that phase feeding of pregnant sows may be of advantage. This paper will review recent research, introduce future perspectives in sow nutrition and suggest options for feeding strategies for sows.

The recent results for amino acid and energy requirements of sows strongly support the need for parity-segregated phase feeding of pregnant sows. The phase feeding program should consist of two diets that satisfy the higher and lower amino acid requirements. The feed amounts should be increased for the last four weeks of gestation. The increase in feed offered should be 0.6 kg/d for gilts, 0.5 kg/d for 2nd parity sows and approximately 0.4 kg/d for older sows. Such a feeding program supplies slightly less feed during gestation compared to single phase feeding but supplies amino acids and energy to the sows at the right amounts at the right time.