Seven tips for fine tuning sow feed efficiency

Want to know what’s really impacting your bottom line? Get down to slat level, says a sow-management specialist. That’s where the less obvious feed-related factors could be stealing your ROI.

“Everything that happens to your sows can impact feed consumption and use,” says Robert Drew, Nedap Livestock Management, North America.

“To make positive, lasting impacts on your bottom line, look at your management practices from your sows’ point of view. What makes them content, comfortable and productive?”

He offers these tips for fine tuning feed efficiency and utilization in sows:

1. Reduce environmental stressors

Pigs respond quickly to environmental stress, and their responses can negatively impact performance. Manage your buildings from your sows’ perspective. Consider these questions to “put yourself in their hooves.”

• Are sows calm? What disrupts them?
• How is the ventilation in the building?
• Is the temperature optimal?
• Can sows eat without interruption and without having to guard their feed from other sows?
• If you’re using an electronic sow-feeding system, does it have forward exits to minimize interaction between fed and unfed sows?

2. Adjust rations based on need

Not all sows have the same nutritional requirements. Precise, individual feeding based on parity, condition and stage of gestation or lactation ensures each sow gets the correct nutrition based on her needs. The ability to feed different diets during gestation is advantageous. One of the most accurate ways to meet each sow’s requirements is by collecting individual feed data and reviewing it with your nutritionist.

3. Monitor feed ingredients and feed quality

From pellet quality to particle size, everything about feed matters. Feed quality and freshness can affect how the sow uses (or wastes) her feed. Testing feed on a regular basis ensures you are achieving your nutritionist’s specific recommendations. Monitoring for unwanted mycotoxins also provides the best chance to maximize productivity in the herd and avoid health-related challenges.

4. Measure individual sow feed intake

If a sow hasn’t eaten, chances are there’s a problem. Changes in individual feed consumption can help identify more widespread challenges, including pen or herd-health problems, poor water quality or availability, ventilation challenges, feed quality issues and more. Quickly identifying the source of a problem can help managers adjust protocols to get sows’ productivity and health back on track – helping your operation stay profitable.

5. Check water daily

Water is vital for sows to utilize nutrients during digestion and for their overall performance and health. Don’t let water be the “forgotten nutrient.” Make sure your sows have easy access to high-quality, clean water 24/7 at the recommended flow rate of 4 cups per minute. Test flow quickly by checking if you can fill a 1-cup measure in 15 seconds.

6. Monitor feed bins closely

Most producers probably have checked feed levels by throwing a rock at the side of the bin, but that’s not the best way to manage a farm’s costliest input. Look inside for any leaks or excessive condensation creating hang-up and compaction, as this quickly leads to moldy feed. Routinely empty feed bins and, where possible, rotate bins to ensure feed delivery into the barn is always fresh.

7. Adhere to biosecurity protocols

Keeping disease out will keep sows healthy and let them use feed efficiently. Consult with a veterinarian about developing a biosecurity plan to prevent the exposure of foreign pathogens. Make sure all employees and your delivery drivers understand and follow your protocols.

“Sows can’t talk, but visual cues and data tell us their story. Your best path to success is to remember the basics: food, water and environment,” Drew says.

“A combination of monitoring sow behavior, interpreting production and feed data, and adjusting feed practices will benefit your bottom line. If you take care of the sow, she’ll take care of you.”