Swine Feeding Management for Gestating Sows

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

• Gestating sow feeding directly impacts litter size, piglet birth weight, farrowing ease, and subsequent milk production, necessitating precise management throughout the 114-day gestation.
• Body condition scoring (BCS) on a 5-point scale, targeting a BCS of 3 at farrowing, is the foundational tool for adjusting daily feed intake (4-6 lbs/sow/day), with first-parity sows requiring an additional 0.5-1 lb/day due to ongoing growth.
• Nutritional requirements vary by gestation stage: early gestation (0-30 days) prioritizes embryo survival with maintenance feeding to avoid reduced implantation rates, while late gestation (75-114 days) requires increased feed (approx. 1-1.5 lbs/day above mid-gestation levels) for rapid fetal growth and udder development.
• Gestation diets should typically contain 12-14% crude protein with 0.55-0.65% lysine, 5-10% crude fiber for satiety and gut health, and adequate calcium (0.75-0.90%) and phosphorus (0.60-0.70%), alongside continuous access to clean water (minimum 2 gal/sow/day).
• Common feeding errors include overfeeding in early gestation (reducing embryo survival), underfeeding first-parity sows (hindering growth and future productivity), and allowing sows to become excessively fat (increasing farrowing complications and reducing milk yield).

Gestating sow feeding is one of the most important parts of a successful swine operation. The way you feed pregnant sows during the 114 day gestation period directly affects litter size, piglet birth weight, farrowing ease, and the sow's ability to produce milk after farrowing. This guide covers the full scope of sow gestation diet planning, from body condition scoring to feed budgeting, nutrient requirements, feeding methods, and common mistakes. It is written for farm owners, herd managers, and swine caretakers who want a practical reference for managing sow feed intake during gestation.

At a Glance

Understanding Gestation Physiology and Why Feeding Matters

Gestation is the period from successful breeding to farrowing, which averages 114 days in swine. This period is divided into three stages that each have different nutritional priorities.

The first stage runs from breeding to about day 30. During this time the embryos are implanting in the uterine lining. Embryo survival is the main concern. Overfeeding during this stage, especially in the first 72 hours after breeding, can reduce embryo survival. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but high feed intake in the immediate post breeding period is associated with higher progesterone clearance from the liver, which can disrupt the hormonal environment needed for embryo implantation.

The second stage runs from day 30 to about day 75. This is the maintenance phase. The embryos are growing but at a slow rate. The sow's energy requirement is mostly for her own body maintenance. Feed levels during this stage should be adjusted to correct or maintain body condition.

The third stage runs from day 75 to farrowing. This is the rapid fetal growth phase. About 70 percent of fetal growth happens in the last third of gestation. The udder also develops significantly during the last 3 weeks. Feed intake may need to increase during this period to support fetal growth and udder development, though the increase should be moderate to avoid excessive fat deposition in the udder, which can reduce milk production.

The sow's digestive system also changes during gestation. The stomach capacity is gradually reduced as the uterus expands, especially in late gestation. This means the sow cannot eat as much in one meal as she could before breeding. Using higher fiber ingredients or feeding twice daily can help sows feel full without overfeeding energy.

Body Condition Scoring as the Foundation of Sow Feed Management

Body condition scoring is the single most useful tool for managing gestating sow feeding. You cannot manage sow feed intake effectively without a consistent way to assess whether each sow is too thin, too fat, or just right.

The most common system is a 5 point scale where 1 is emaciated and 5 is obese. A score of 3 is the target for most of gestation and at farrowing.

To score a sow, stand behind her and look at her overall shape. Then feel the following areas with your hands:

The backbone or spine. Run your hand along the vertebrae. If you can feel each individual bone with sharp edges, the sow is too thin. If you cannot feel the bones at all through a thick fat layer, she is too fat.

The hip bones or pin bones. These are the two points at the rear of the sow. They should be easily felt but covered with a thin layer of fat. If they protrude sharply, the sow is thin. If you have to press hard to feel them, she is fat.

The loin area. This is the muscle area along the back. A sow in good condition has a flat or slightly rounded loin. A thin sow has a sunken loin. A fat sow has a heavily rounded loin with a crease down the middle.

The tail head area. Fat sows often have a fat pad around the tail head that makes the tail appear recessed.

Here is a practical description of each score:

Score 1 is emaciated. The backbone, pin bones, and ribs are very prominent and sharp. The sow looks bony from a distance. This condition is an emergency. These sows need immediate veterinary attention and a feeding plan to recover condition.

Score 2 is thin. The bones are visible but not extremely sharp. The loin is somewhat sunken. The sow appears angular. Thin sows need increased feed to reach a score of 3 before farrowing.

Score 3 is ideal. The bones can be felt with light pressure but are not visible through the fat and muscle. The loin is flat. The sow appears smooth and rounded.

Score 4 is fat. The bones are difficult to feel. The loin is rounded. The sow appears heavy and broad across the back.

Score 5 is obese. The bones cannot be felt. The loin is heavily rounded with a crease. The sow appears very heavy and may have difficulty walking. Obese sows are at high risk for farrowing problems and crushing piglets.

You should score every sow at breeding, then every 2 to 3 weeks during gestation, and again at farrowing. Record the scores so you can track changes over time and adjust feeding accordingly.

Calculating Feed Amounts for Gestating Sows

The amount of feed a gestating sow needs depends on several factors. These include the sow's body weight, body condition, parity, stage of gestation, environmental temperature, and the energy density of the feed.

Maintenance Energy Requirement

The maintenance energy requirement is the amount of energy a sow needs just to keep her body functioning without gaining or losing weight. For a mature sow of about 400 to 450 pounds, the maintenance requirement is roughly 4 to 5 pounds of a typical corn soybean gestation diet per day. This assumes the diet has about 1450 to 1500 kcal of metabolizable energy per pound.

Lighter sows need slightly less. Heavier sows need slightly more. First parity sows are still growing themselves, so they need extra feed for their own growth in addition to maintenance.

Adjusting for Body Condition

The simplest way to adjust feed amounts is to use body condition score as your guide.

For a sow at a body condition score of 3, feed about 4 to 5 pounds per day during the middle of gestation.

For a thin sow at a score of 2, increase the daily feed by 1 to 2 pounds per day until she returns to a score of 3. This is usually about 1 pound per day for a sow that is only slightly thin. A sow that is very thin may need 2 pounds per day extra.

For a fat sow at a score of 4, reduce the daily feed by 1 to 1.5 pounds per day until she returns to a score of 3. Do not cut feed below about 3.5 pounds per day, because the sow still needs adequate nutrients for the developing piglets.

Adjusting for Parity

First and second parity sows need more feed than mature sows. The first parity sow is still growing and needs nutrients for her own skeletal and muscle development in addition to the litter. Feed first parity sows about 0.5 to 1 pound per day more than a mature sow of the same body condition. This extra feed supports growth without making her overly fat.

Second parity sows also need slightly more than mature sows, though the difference is smaller. By the third or fourth parity, the sow has reached mature size and needs only maintenance and reproduction nutrients.

Adjusting for Stage of Gestation

During the first 30 days after breeding, feed should be at maintenance levels or slightly below for mature sows. This supports embryo survival. Do not increase feed during this period unless the sow is very thin.

From day 30 to day 75, feed according to body condition. This is the time to correct condition problems. A sow that is too thin should be gaining weight during this period. A sow that is too fat should be losing weight slowly.

From day 75 to day 90, begin to increase feed slightly. The fetuses are growing rapidly and the sow's energy needs are rising.

From day 90 to farrowing, increase feed by about 1 to 1.5 pounds per day above the mid gestation level. This supports the rapid fetal growth and udder development. However, do not overfeed. Sows that become too fat in late gestation are at higher risk for difficult farrowing and may produce less milk.

Adjusting for Environmental Temperature

Temperature has a major effect on feed requirements. The thermoneutral zone for gestating sows is roughly 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop below the lower end of this range, sows use energy to stay warm and need more feed.

For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit below 60 degrees, increase feed by about 0.5 pound per day. In very cold conditions, this increase can be substantial.

In hot weather, sows eat less voluntarily. This can be a problem because they may not consume enough nutrients. To help sows eat enough in hot weather, feed during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening. Ensure plenty of clean, cool water is available. Consider increasing the nutrient density of the diet so sows get more nutrients per pound of feed.

Sow Gestation Diet Composition

The gestation diet must provide the right balance of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Most operations use a corn soybean meal based diet, which is economical and provides good nutrition.

Energy

Energy is the most important component of the gestation diet. Sows need enough energy for maintenance, fetal growth, and body condition management. The typical gestation diet contains about 1450 to 1500 kcal of metabolizable energy per pound.

Energy comes primarily from corn or other grains. The exact amount of energy in the diet depends on the grain source and any added fats or oils. Adding fat to the gestation diet increases energy density, which can be useful in hot weather or for thin sows that need more energy without eating more volume.

Protein and Amino Acids

Crude protein in a typical gestation diet is 12 to 14 percent. The most important amino acid is lysine, which should be about 0.55 to 0.65 percent of the diet. Other essential amino acids include methionine, threonine, and tryptophan.

First parity sows need slightly more lysine than mature sows because they are still growing. A first parity gestation diet should contain about 0.65 percent lysine.

Soybean meal is the most common protein source. Other options include canola meal, field peas, and synthetic amino acids. The goal is to meet the sow's amino acid requirements without feeding excess protein, which is wasteful and increases nitrogen excretion.

Fiber

Fiber is an often overlooked but important component of the gestation diet. Sows fed high fiber diets feel fuller and are less likely to develop stereotypic behaviors like bar biting and sham chewing. Fiber also supports gut health and can reduce constipation around farrowing.

Aim for 5 to 10 percent crude fiber in the gestation diet. Common fiber sources include soybean hulls, wheat middlings, beet pulp, and oat hulls. Adding 10 to 20 percent of a high fiber ingredient can help sows feel satisfied without adding excess energy.

Minerals

Calcium and phosphorus are critical for bone health and milk production. The gestation diet should contain about 0.75 to 0.90 percent calcium and 0.60 to 0.70 percent phosphorus. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be between 1.2 and 1.5 to 1.

Salt should be added at about 0.3 to 0.5 percent of the diet. Trace minerals including zinc, copper, manganese, iron, iodine, and selenium should be included at levels recommended by a swine nutritionist.

Vitamins

Vitamins are added to the gestation diet as a premix. Key vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and the B vitamins. Vitamin E and selenium are especially important for immune function and piglet vitality. Biotin is sometimes added at higher levels to support hoof health.

Water

Water is the most essential nutrient, though it is often overlooked. A gestating sow needs a minimum of 2 gallons of water per day, and more in hot weather. Water intake is directly related to feed intake. If sows do not drink enough, they will not eat enough.

Provide water through nipple drinkers or water bowls. Check water flow rates regularly. A nipple drinker for gestating sows should deliver at least 1 to 1.5 quarts per minute. Clean water lines and drinkers regularly to prevent biofilm buildup.

Feeding Methods and Systems

There are several methods for feeding gestating sows. The right choice depends on your facility, herd size, and management style.

Individual Stalls

Individual gestation stalls allow precise control of each sow's feed intake. Each sow receives her own measured amount of feed, which makes body condition management easier. Stalls also protect sows from competition and aggression.

The main disadvantage is that sows have limited movement, which can lead to weak bones and muscles. There is also public concern about stall housing. Many operations are moving to group housing systems.

In stall systems, feed can be delivered by hand, by a mechanical auger system, or by a computerized feeding station. Computerized feeding stations can be programmed to deliver exact amounts to each sow, reducing labor.

Group Housing with Individual Feeding

Group housing with individual feeding is becoming more common. Sows are housed in groups but each sow has a way to eat her own feed without competition.

Electronic sow feeders are the most common system. Each sow has an ear tag transponder. When she enters the feeding stall, the computer reads her tag and delivers her programmed amount of feed. The system records how much each sow eats and when she ate.

Other options include individual feeding stalls within the group pen, where sows are locked in briefly to eat, and floor feeding with space dividers that give each sow a defined eating area.

Floor Feeding

Floor feeding is the simplest and least expensive method. Feed is spread on a solid floor area, with enough space for all sows to eat at once. Provide at least 18 inches of feeding space per sow. If all sows cannot eat at the same time, subordinate sows will get less feed and condition will become uneven.

Floor feeding makes it difficult to control individual intake. It works best when all sows in the pen have similar feed requirements. You may need to sort sows into groups based on body condition and parity.

Feeding Frequency

Most operations feed gestating sows once per day. This is simple and works well when feed amounts are moderate. Feeding once daily also reduces labor.

Some operations feed twice per day, especially in hot weather or when sows are on high fiber diets that need more time to consume. Twice daily feeding can help sows eat more total feed and can reduce aggression because sows do not go as long between meals.

If you feed once daily, be consistent with the time. Sows learn the schedule and will be more settled if feeding happens at the same time each day.

Feeding Pregnant Sows by Stage: A Step by Step Plan

The following plan provides a practical framework for feeding pregnant sows from breeding to farrowing. Adjust the amounts based on your specific diet, sow genetics, and facility conditions.

Days 0 to 30: Breeding to Implantation

Feed the sow about 4 to 5 pounds per day of a standard gestation diet, depending on her body condition at breeding. Do not increase feed during this period, even if the sow is thin. High feed intake in the first 3 days after breeding can reduce embryo survival.

If the sow was bred during lactation, she may be in a catabolic state and losing weight. In this case, a moderate feed level of about 5 pounds per day is appropriate. Do not try to rapidly correct condition during this stage.

Days 30 to 75: Condition Correction

This is the time to adjust body condition. Score each sow at day 30 and sort into groups by condition.

Sows at a score of 3 should receive about 4 to 5 pounds per day.

Sows at a score of 2 should receive 5 to 6 pounds per day until they reach a score of 3. Recheck condition every 2 weeks.

Sows at a score of 4 should receive 3.5 to 4 pounds per day until they drop to a score of 3. Do not feed less than 3.5 pounds per day to a mature sow, and not less than 4 pounds per day to a first parity sow.

Days 75 to 90: Transition to Late Gestation

Increase feed by about 0.5 pound per day. A sow that was getting 4.5 pounds should now get 5 pounds. This modest increase supports the beginning of rapid fetal growth.

Days 90 to Farrowing: Late Gestation

Increase feed by another 0.5 to 1 pound per day. The sow should now be eating 5.5 to 6.5 pounds per day, depending on her size and condition.

Monitor body condition closely during this period. Sows should be gaining some weight, but they should not become excessively fat. A sow that is gaining too much fat may have a difficult farrowing and poor milk production.

Some operations use a higher energy diet in late gestation by adding fat. This can increase piglet birth weight and energy stores, which helps piglets survive. If you add fat to the diet, do so gradually over 1 to 2 weeks to allow the sow's digestive system to adjust.

The Last 3 to 5 Days Before Farrowing

Some operations reduce feed to about 3 to 4 pounds per day in the last few days before farrowing. This is thought to reduce the risk of constipation and make farrowing easier. However, research on this practice is mixed. Some studies show no benefit to reducing feed before farrowing.

If you reduce feed, do not reduce it too much. The sows still need nutrients for the final fetal growth and for the upcoming lactation. A moderate reduction to about 4 pounds per day is reasonable.

Ensure the sow has access to fresh water at all times during this period. Constipation is a common problem around farrowing, and adequate water intake helps prevent it.

Common Mistakes in Gestating Sow Feeding

Overfeeding in Early Gestation

Feeding too much in the first 30 days after breeding is a common mistake. High feed intake during this period can reduce embryo survival and result in smaller litters. The sow does not need extra feed during this time. Keep feed at maintenance levels.

Underfeeding First Parity Sows

First parity sows are often underfed because they are fed the same amount as mature sows. These young sows are still growing and need more nutrients. Underfeeding first parity sows results in thin sows at farrowing, poor milk production, and higher culling rates after the first litter.

Allowing Sows to Become Too Fat

Overfeeding in mid and late gestation creates fat sows. Fat sows have more difficult farrowings, are more likely to crush piglets, and produce less milk. Fat sows also eat less during lactation, which leads to excessive weight loss and poor subsequent reproduction.

Ignoring Individual Variation

Feeding all sows the same amount regardless of condition is a common mistake in operations without individual feeding systems. Sows vary in their maintenance requirements and their ability to digest feed. Some sows gain weight easily while others are hard keepers. You must sort sows by condition and feed accordingly.

Not Adjusting for Temperature

Feeding the same amount year round ignores the effect of temperature on energy needs. Sows need more feed in cold weather and less in warm weather. Failure to adjust for temperature leads to thin sows in winter and fat sows in summer.

Poor Feed Storage and Quality

Feed that is moldy, spoiled, or contaminated with mycotoxins can cause serious health problems in gestating sows. Mycotoxins can cause abortion, reduced litter size, and poor piglet viability. Store feed in clean, dry conditions and check for mold regularly. Do not feed spoiled feed to gestating sows.

Inconsistent Feeding Times

Sows are creatures of habit. Inconsistent feeding times cause agitation and aggression. Sows that are waiting for feed may fight, which can cause injuries and stress. Feed at the same time every day.

Inadequate Water

Water is often the most neglected nutrient. If water flow rates are low or drinkers are dirty, sows will not drink enough. This reduces feed intake and can lead to constipation and urinary tract infections. Check water flow and quality regularly.

How to Correct Body Condition Problems

Correcting Thin Sows

A thin sow at a score of 2 needs to gain about 20 to 30 pounds of body weight to reach a score of 3. This requires about 1 to 1.5 pounds of extra feed per day over a period of 3 to 4 weeks.

Feed the thin sow 1 to 2 pounds per day more than her normal maintenance ration. Monitor her condition every 2 weeks and adjust as needed. Do not try to correct condition too quickly, as very high feed intake can cause digestive upset.

If a sow is extremely thin at a score of 1 or less, she may have an underlying health problem. Consult a veterinarian to rule out disease, parasites, or dental problems.

Correcting Fat Sows

A fat sow at a score of 4 needs to lose weight. Reduce her feed by 1 to 1.5 pounds per day. Do not reduce below 3.5 pounds per day for a mature sow.

Weight loss should be gradual. Aim for the sow to reach a score of 3 by the time she farrows. It is better to have a sow slightly fat at farrowing than too thin, but excessive fat is associated with farrowing problems.

Managing Sows That Lose Condition in Late Gestation

Some sows lose condition in late gestation even when feed amounts are adequate. This can happen when the litter is very large and the fetuses are drawing heavily on the sow's energy reserves. It can also happen when sows are housed in cold conditions.

If sows are losing condition in late gestation, increase feed by 0.5 to 1 pound per day. Consider adding fat to the diet to increase energy density. Check the environment for drafts or cold temperatures.

Group Housing Considerations for Sow Feed Management

Group housing adds complexity to sow feeding management. You must ensure that all sows get their fair share of feed, which is difficult when sows compete for food.

Sorting Sows by Parity and Condition

Sort sows into groups based on parity and body condition. First parity sows should be in their own group, as they need more feed and are often subordinate to mature sows. Group sows of similar body condition together so they can be fed similar amounts.

Managing Aggression at Feeding Time

Aggression at feeding time is a major problem in group housing. Sows may fight over feed, causing injuries and stress. If you feed on the floor, provide enough space for all sows to eat at once. If you use individual feeding stalls, ensure they are long enough for the sows to enter and exit safely.

Electronic sow feeders reduce aggression because sows eat individually. However, you must train sows to use the feeder and monitor the system to ensure all sows are eating.

Monitoring Individual Intake in Groups

In group housing, it is harder to know if each sow is eating enough. Monitor body condition regularly and watch for sows that are losing weight. These sows may be subordinate and not getting enough feed. You may need to move them to a different group or provide them with extra feed.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping for Gestating Sow Feeding

Good recordkeeping is essential for managing sow feeding effectively. You cannot improve what you do not measure.

Sow Identification

Every sow must have a unique identification number. This can be an ear tag, ear notch, or electronic transponder. Individual identification allows you to track feed intake, body condition, and reproductive performance for each sow.

Records to Keep

For each sow, keep records of:

Parity number. This is the number of litters the sow has had.

Breeding date and boar used. This allows you to calculate expected farrowing dates.

Body condition score at breeding. This is your starting point for gestation feeding.

Body condition scores throughout gestation. Record scores every 2 to 3 weeks.

Feed amount per day. Record the actual amount of feed each sow receives.

Feed intake during lactation. This is important for understanding the sow's overall energy balance.

Farrowing date and litter size. This includes total born, born alive, stillborn, and mummified.

Piglet birth weight. This helps you evaluate whether gestation feeding was adequate.

Weaning weight and number weaned. This helps you evaluate lactation performance.

Problems or health issues. Record any illness, lameness, or other issues.

Using Records to Improve Feeding

Review your records regularly to identify patterns and problems. For example:

If first parity sows consistently farrow thin piglets, you may need to increase their late gestation feed.

If sows are consistently too fat at farrowing, you need to reduce feed amounts or adjust the diet.

If litter size is below average, review early gestation feeding to ensure you are not overfeeding during the implantation period.

If sows lose too much weight during lactation, they may need more feed in late gestation to build body reserves.

Software and Tools

Many operations use herd management software to track sow records. These programs can generate reports on body condition, feed intake, and reproductive performance. Even a simple spreadsheet can be useful for smaller operations.

When to Call a Veterinarian or Extension Agent

Most gestation feeding issues can be managed with good husbandry. However, some situations require professional help.

Call a veterinarian if:

Sows are refusing feed for more than 24 hours. This can indicate illness, fever, or digestive problems.

Sows are showing signs of disease such as fever, lethargy, discharge, or difficulty breathing.

Sows are aborting or having stillbirths at a higher rate than normal. This can indicate infectious disease or toxin exposure.

Sows are extremely thin despite adequate feed. This can indicate parasites, chronic disease, or dental problems.

Sows are showing neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, or incoordination.

Sows have difficult or prolonged farrowings. This may require veterinary assistance.

Call an extension agent or swine nutritionist if:

You are formulating a new gestation diet and need help balancing nutrients.

You are seeing a pattern of poor reproductive performance that is not explained by obvious management issues.

You want to evaluate your feeding program and make improvements.

You are considering a major change to your feeding system, such as switching from stalls to group housing.

You need help interpreting your production records.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I feed a pregnant sow per day?

A mature gestating sow at a body condition score of 3 needs about 4 to 5 pounds of a standard corn soybean gestation diet per day during the middle of gestation. Thin sows need 1 to 2 pounds more. Fat sows need 1 to 1.5 pounds less. First parity sows need 0.5 to 1 pound more than mature sows. Increase feed by about 1 to 1.5 pounds per day during the last 3 weeks of gestation.

Should I feed more in early gestation to improve litter size?

No. Feeding more in the first 30 days after breeding can actually reduce embryo survival. High feed intake in the immediate post breeding period increases progesterone clearance by the liver, which can disrupt the hormonal environment needed for embryo implantation. Feed at maintenance levels, about 4 to 5 pounds per day, during early gestation.

What body condition score should a sow be at farrowing?

A sow should be at a body condition score of 3 on a 5 point scale at farrowing. Sows that are too thin at farrowing have less energy reserves for lactation and may produce less milk. Sows that are too fat at farrowing have more difficult farrowings and are more likely to crush piglets.

How do I know if my sow is too thin or too fat?

Use body condition scoring. Feel the backbone, hip bones, and loin area. A sow at a score of 3 has bones that can be felt with light pressure but are not visible. Thin sows have sharp, prominent bones and a sunken loin. Fat sows have bones that are hard to feel and a rounded loin. Score every sow every 2 to 3 weeks during gestation.

Can I feed gestating sows once per day?

Yes. Once daily feeding is the most common method and works well for most operations. Feed at the same time every day. If sows are on high fiber diets or in hot weather, twice daily feeding may help them consume enough feed.

What should the protein level be in a sow gestation diet?

A typical gestation diet contains 12 to 14 percent crude protein. Lysine should be about 0.55 to 0.65 percent of the diet. First parity sows need slightly more lysine than mature sows. Work with a swine nutritionist to formulate a diet that meets your specific needs.

How much water does a gestating sow need?

A gestating sow needs a minimum of 2 gallons of water per day, and more in hot weather. Nipple drinkers should deliver at least 1 to 1.5 quarts per minute. Clean water lines and drinkers regularly. Water intake is directly related to feed intake, so sows that do not drink enough will not eat enough.

Should I add fiber to the gestation diet?

Yes. A gestation diet with 5 to 10 percent crude fiber helps sows feel full and reduces stereotypic behaviors like bar biting. Fiber sources include soybean hulls, wheat middlings, and beet pulp. Higher fiber diets are especially useful for sows that are limit fed and appear hungry.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to other farming guides on this site covering related topics such as sow lactation feeding, piglet nutrition, boar management, and swine herd health.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Pig Enrichment Programs and Behavior Monitoring
• Swine Handling Facility Design for Safe Pig Movement
• Swine Feeding Management for Grow-Finish Pigs

References

National Pork Board: https://www.pork.org/

USDA APHIS Swine Health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/swine

FAO Pig Production: https://www.fao.org/pig-production-and-products/en/

FAO Animal Production and Health: https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en/

WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health): https://www.woah.org/en/home/

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.