Precision feeding of gestating sows: Use of electronic sow feeders to reduced feed costs and nutrient losses into the environment, while improving sow productivity and welfare

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A 3 year study will be conducted to examine long-term benefits for closely meeting changing nutrient requirements of individual sows during gestation and across parities, managed in a group housing system and using computer controlled electronic sow feeders (ESF). The study will comprehensively evaluate sow growth and reproductive performance, welfare, behavior, and body condition when ESF are used to: 1) manage sows by feeding a conventional one -phase feeding program throughout gestation (Control) or 2) daily adjust feeding levels and nutrient to energy ratios for individual sows as nutrient demands change throughout gestation (Precision fed). The latter will be achieved by blending 0.2% SID Lys and 0.8% SID Lys diets in varying proportions based on targeted weight gains. Sow performance, behavior, and weight gain will be monitored throughout lactation along with evaluating pre-weaning piglet performance. The project is designed to monitor sows using ESF for 3 consecutive parities using primiparous sows at the start of the study. Sow progeny performance will be assessed using litters of 10 piglets from 12 Control sows and 12 Precision Fed sows per parity. These piglets will be penned based on individual litter (sow) to be managed throughout starter, grower, and finisher phases of production. Progeny will also be assessed for robustness (susceptibility to a pathogen challenge) along with gut health and development in the starter phase. Comprehensive carcass and meat quality evaluation will be conducted including loin and bacon quality assessments. Estimated nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon balance during gestation and lactation and margin over feed costs will also be determined to assess impacts on the environment and producer profitability. The ultimate goal of this work is to examine how sow management using ESF can impact lifetime sow productivity and retention in the herd, and carry over effects on to her progeny for growth performance and carcass and meat quality. Use of ESF for sow management has potential to improve animal welfare and returns for pig producers while producing better quality pork for consumers. .