How to feed a sow after farrowing at home to have more milk
The development of not only the animal, but also future piglets depends on the characteristics of feeding the sow. The type of diet also affects the ability of an adult to bear offspring. What you can feed a sow after farrowing at home is determined by several factors. In this case, it should be borne in mind that during this period the animal's diet is increased by 2 times.
Factors that affect feed rates
Feed rates are determined by the following factors:
- total pig weight;
- age of animal;
- body fat;
- current period of the productive phase.
Sows under two years of age are considered growing. That is, during this period it is recommended to give food that is supposed to young animals.
There are three periods of the productive phase:
- Fertilization (lasts at least five days). This period is defined as the period of time from weaning piglets to the next successful conception.
- Pregnancy (from conception to day 115).
- Lactation (lasts about 28 days). The period is defined as the time interval between farrowing and weaning of piglets from the sow.
Each period of the productive phase is characterized by its own characteristics that determine the nature of feeding.
Types of feeding
There are 2 types of feeding used for sows: compound feed and combined. The first is recommended for large livestock farms with large livestock.
In this case, the sows are given complete feed, each of which corresponds to the current period of the productive phase, and drink plenty of fluids.
According to the second option, dairy products, food waste, hay (green grass) and cereals are introduced into the diet of animals. Additionally, mixed-fed sows are given PMVA, which enrich the food with vitamins.
What to feed sows at different times
On average, the productive phase of sows lasts 148 days. That is, during this period, it is necessary to take into account the above recommendations for compiling a diet.
Fertilization period
In the absence of diseases in this period, the amount of feed given out is not reduced. This is explained by the fact that after the end of lactation, the sow is ready for fertilization 5 days after weaning the piglets. If necessary, the amount of feed given out to the animal is increased to 4-5 kilograms per day.This diet option increases the likelihood of successful conception. However, this requires proper nutrition, providing sufficient nutrients and energy.
Before conception, sows are recommended to give:
- root-tuber fruits or gourds;
- hay flour;
- bean ladders;
- dairy, meat and fish waste.
After fertilization, the amount of daily feed should not exceed 2.5 kilograms. If this indicator is exceeded, the death of some of the embryos is possible.
Pregnancy period
This period is divided into low- and high-pregnancy. The first one ends at the 12th week and is characterized by the fact that sows need moderate feeding. At this stage of the development of pregnancy, the needs of the body of an adult animal do not differ from those that were before fertilization.However, it is recommended to include foods rich in fiber in the diet. Such food provides a feeling of satiety.
Highly pregnant sows up to the 16th week require a large amount of feed. This is due to the fact that at this stage the embryos reach large sizes. Therefore, the pig's body consumes more nutrients and vitamins that go to the development of future piglets.
Highly pregnant animals are fed:
- crushed grain mixture (makes up to 60% of the diet);
- fresh vegetables (30%);
- grass or hay (10%);
- dairy products or cake.
Closer to childbirth, it is recommended to increase the proportion of highly nutritious feed by 2 times, while reducing the amount of daily consumption. In the first weeks of pregnancy, pigs should be given up to 10-12 liters of water, in the last - 12-15 liters.At this stage, pregnant animals gain 40 kilograms, and young (under two years old) - 0-30% less.
Lactation period
After birth, pigs need plenty of fluids. To quench thirst, a large trough with clean water is placed next to the animal. Also, some farmers dilute sugar or glucose (one tablespoon per liter) in the liquid, as these substances help to restore strength faster.
For the first time, after giving birth, animals can be fed after 6-8 hours, giving out a liquid mixture of crushed oats and bran with a volume of no more than two liters. In the future, you need to gradually increase the amount of food. Lactating pigs need to be given 2-3 times more feed than during pregnancy. During this period, it is recommended to enter:
- foods containing fiber (up to 8% of the feed volume);
- feed oil (1-3%);
- fish meal (1-2%).
In order for the sow to produce more milk, it is recommended to use concentrates in combination with boiled potatoes or root vegetables. In the first days after farrowing, they give 2-4 kilograms of feed, then 3 kilograms. Starting from the second week, the pig switches to a complete diet. During this period, you need to introduce coarse, highly nutritious and succulent foods into the diet, which also increase milk production.
For feeding lactating animals, it is necessary to purchase compound feed with a high content of amino acids and minerals. This is due to the fact that during the production of milk, the body quickly loses fats and protein. It is equally important to provide the right living conditions for the sow. After farrowing, it is necessary to maintain the temperature at 18-20 degrees and feed in strict hygiene.
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