Precision Feeding: Beyond Theory, a Proven Reality

Research on Precision Feeding

Precision feeding is the key to optimizing pig production, and it’s a solution that is transforming our industry on multiple levels.  Our team has identified three relevant research studies worth reading to support and enhance this innovative approach.

Research: Application of a Precision Feeding Strategy for Gestating Sows

Application of a Precision Feeding Strategy for Gestating Sows

ABSTRACT
Simulations of precision feeding (PF) in which gestating sows were individually fed a daily mixture of two diets with different amino acid contents indicated a reduction in protein intake, feed costs, and environmental losses compared to sows fed a conventional single diet (CF). These results have not been verified on farm. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare the effect of this PF strategy on productive and reproductive performances of gestating sows compared to the CF strategy. As the effects of such a strategy has not been reported yet on sows’ feeding behavior (frequency of isits and time spent in the feeder), it constituted the second objective of this study. The experiment included 131 gestating sows divided into the two feeding strategies regarding their parity and body weight at insemination. Feed supply was similar for the two strategies. The results matched those from simulations as sows fed the PF strategy reduced their lysine ingestion of around 25%, which therefore reduced nitrogen excretion of 18.5%, and feed costs by 3.4 euros per gestation or 8 euros per ton of feed. Phosphorus intake and excretion were also reduced with PF compared to CF (around 8% and 9%, respectively).

AUTHORS:  Charlotte Gaillard & Jean-Yves Dourmad
JOURNAL: Animal Feed Science And Technology, Volume287
PUBLISHED DATE: May 2022

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Precision feeding aims at adjusting feed supply to individual nutrient requirements.
  • Precision feeding reduced reducing protein intake and feeding costs.
  • Environmental load decreased with precision feeding.
  • Reproductive performance was not affected by precision feeding.
  • Feeding behaviors were barely affected by precision feeding.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  1. Precision feeding in gestation can be used to reduce lysine intake without sacrificing corresponding reproductive throughput.
  2. Precision feeding can be used as a tool to reduce protein intake and feed costs, without sacrificing overall performance.
  3. Precision feeding allows for analyzing feeding behaviours, which can serve as a management indicator for animal husbandry  measures.
  4. Compared to traditionally fed sows, precision fed sows showed a reduction of lysine intake, nitrogen excretion, phosphorus excretion, and feed costs per gestation. All of this, without sacrificing sow condition nor reproductive capabilities.

Research: Use of Precision Feeding during Lactation Improves the Productive Yields of Sows and Their Piglets under Commercial Farm Conditions

Use of Precision Feeding during Lactation Improves the Productive Yields of Sows and Their Piglets under Commercial Farm Conditions

SUMMARY
This study reports the results of two studies aiming to determine, under commercial farm conditions, the effects of electronic sow feeders on the production and economic yields of lactating sows. The results indicate remarkable technical and economic outputs compared with traditional feeders due to the weaning of heavier piglets with a lower amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet.

AUTHORS: María Aparicio, Natalia Yeste-Vizcaíno, Joaquín Morales, Nerea Soria, Beatriz Isabel, Carlos Piñeiro and Antonio González-Bulnes
JOURNAL: Journal MDPI Animals 2024, 14, 2863
PUBLISHED DATE: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Adequate nutritional management in maternities is one of the most challenging aspects of swine production. This study reports the results of two studies aiming to determine, under commercial farm conditions, the effects of precision feeding (electronic sow feeders, ESFs) on the production and economic yields of lactating sows and possible nutritional and metabolic differences when compared to a control group fed with traditional feeders. The first trial showed that sows fed with ESFs weaned heavier piglets than sows fed with traditional feeders. Feed intake during the lactation period was similar in the sows of both groups; consequently, the amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet was lower in the sows fed with ESFs, which is a remarkable economic output. The second trial confirmed these findings and showed that, despite similar feed intakes, the sows fed with ESFs had lower bodyweight losses during the lactation period, but there were no major differences in milk composition or metabolic traits of sows and piglets.

KEY TAKEWAYS

  1. Traditional and GESTAL-fed sows had similar feed intake during lactation, yet Gestal-fed sows weaned heavier pigs.
  2. Although GESTAL-fed sows weaned heavier pigs and had similar feed intake to traditionally fed sows, they actually experienced lower body weight loss during lactation.
  3. Average Daily Weight Gain (ADWG) of pigs weaned from sows fed through GESTAL was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of pigs from traditionally fed sows.
  4. “The use of ESFs during lactation has a positive impact on the performance of sows and their litters.” — Maria Aparicio.
  5. Sows fed through ESFs are stimulated to stand, which may aid in overall milk production.

Research: Characterizing Sow Feed Intake during Lactation to Explain Litter and Subsequent Farrowing Performance

Characterizing Sow Feed Intake during Lactation to Explain Litter and Subsequent Farrowing Performance

SUMMARY
This study investigated different sow feed intake patterns during lactation and average daily feed intakes within parity on current and subsequent farrowing and litter performance. Findings revealed sows that have consistently low intake throughout the lactation period have a significant reduction in average pig wean weight, a greater percentage of pre-wean mortality, and take a day or longer to return to estrus compared with sows that have average or above feed intake throughout the lactation period. Specifically, older parity sows were heavier, had greater feed intake, nursed heavier litters, and had litters with less pre-weaned mortality compared with younger parity sows. The average pig weaned weight and subsequent total pigs born improved as intake increased within parity. Pre-wean mortality decreased as feed intake increased within parity. These findings highlight the importance of ensuring sows are not only eating enough but that they are consuming more than average when possible, to continually improve current and subsequent farrowing and litter performance. This study provides important information that nutritionists can use to reformulate diets to better target sows that are not consuming adequate nutrients during lactation to help reduce negative impacts on sow and litter performance.

AUTHORS:  Jorge Estrada, Danielle C. Johnson, Kelsey L. Kyle, Jeremy Perez, Eric Parr, Michael W. Welch, Casey Neill, Beau A. Peterson, Dustin D. Boler
JOURNAL: Journal of Animal Science
DATE SUBMITTED BY THE AUTHORS: 03-Feb-2024

KEY TAKEWAYS

  1. Tracking individual feed intake patterns are vital in allowing producers to focus on under-consuming sows that may be lysine and energy deficient.
  2. Lactational lysine requirements depend on litter size and piglet growth rates; and when those requirements are not met negative impacts can be noticed on both the sow and her litter.
  3. Within parity, as feed intake increases, pre-weaning mortality decreases; emphasizing the importance of limiting under-consuming sows within the herd.
  4. Sows with subpar feed intake are less likely to have full-value piglets in their current and subsequent litters.
  5. Having a proper understanding of which sows fall into which feed consumption categories may allow producers to monitor sows that need help improving daily feed intake to prevent lysine and energy deficiencies.