As litter sizes increase, it is important that the sow is able to produce enough milk. Nutrition and genetics contribute to milk production, but other factors like feed intake, body condition, and water intake can influence it as well. Milk production can remain high if a sow is given adequate energy and amino acids. The lysine requirement for sows is 62 g/day SID, but the percent in food changes with parity. Gilts require the highest percent because they have a lower feed intake, so increasing the percent will help avoid a parity 2 dip. Synthetic lysine can also be added up to 0.30% for all parities. Energy amount and type both influence milk production. In this study, ad lib feeding systems increased feed intake 7% compared to hand feeding. As well, with an ESF feed intake was maximized by feeding 1.8, 1.8, and then 2.7 kg of feed for the first three days of lactation, and then fully feeding. Bump feeding (increasing feed the last 2-3 weeks of gestation) is not recommended for over condition sows, and more research is needed to determine if there is any benefit for other sows. Adding additional fat to lactation diets has had limited success. One study found increased litter gain in P3+ sows, and another found increased gain in litters that was not maintained post-weaning.