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Sow Productivity, Determinants of lactation success in primiparous sows -Banff 2017
Posted in: Nutrition, Pork Insight Articles, Production by admin on May 8, 2017
Preparing a gilt for a successful first lactation will benefit lactation performance in subsequent parities and thus the producers bottom line. Nathalie Trottier discussed several determinants of a successful first lactation.
Maximizing feed intake during lactation
- Setting body condition scores for gilts entering the breeding herd and monitoring body condition during gestation
- Feeding multiple times a day during gestation to encourage them to stand
Increasing fiber intake during gestation
- Improves gut fill and satiety during a time where gilts should be feed restricted on a calorie basis
- reduces risk of endotoxin build up whioch inhibits the secretion of prolactin
Increasing feed frequency during lactation
- 3-4 times per day
Increasing the length of the lactation period
Maximizing mammary glad use
- Nursing all of the available glands is crucial during the first lactation
- Cross fostering if needed to meet each teat
- Shown to improve teat function in future lactations
Selection for udder conformation
- 14-16 well defined functional teats
Preventing teat injury
Stimulating mammary cellular activity and growth
Dealing with contamination
- Gilts are more sensitive to ergot contamination