Excessively thin or fat sows at the end of pregnancy show reproductive problems. Along three phases, individualized feeding of pregnant sows were studied, aiming at homogenizing their energy reserves at farrowing. In the first phase, 108 sows were fed relatively to their body condition at breeding. Secondly, 92 sows were fed relatively to their back fat and weight at breeding. Thirdly, diets of 129 sows were similarly calculated, but aimed at slow or rapid deposit of maternal tissues. Diets were also adjusted repeatedly to back fat evolution. Average digestible energy (DE) needs has been accurately calculated, since the average residual energy (ingestion – needs) approached zero. Back fat thickness of sows at farrowing was 21,4, 20,3 and 20,9mm for the three phases, values close to the 21mm objective. However, back fat and residual energy varied significantly (10,2mm – 37,1mm and –12,5 – 13,2MJ/d, respectively). In all phases, the residual energy varied more closely together with the total needs than with the ingested energy. This emphasizes the importance of carefully measuring weight and back fat for accurate calculation of the needs. The activity of sows could not explain the difference between energy supply and requirements. Adjustment of energy supply to back fat could not reduce the difference between the thinnest and fattest sows. This program of rapid maternal tissue deposit lacked beneficial effect and reduced litter size. Individual diet adjustment cannot be recommended, but rather to average it for groups of sows similar at breeding, with regular weighing and ultrasound testing.