Manual Topigs 20 - topigsnorsvin.be · 4.6.2 Mineral and vitamin recommendation ___55 4.6.3 Amino acid recommendations _ 57 4.6.4 Temperature adjustments ___57 Index. 4 5

Feed Manual Topigs 20

Topigs 20Manual

Rearing gilts and sows

Updated: 23-5-2016 © Copyright Topigs Norsvin

2 3

1. Introduction ________________________________________ 4

2. The Topigs 20 sow ___________________________________ 5

3. Gilt rearing ___________________________________ 8

3.1 Introduction _____________________________________ 8

3.2 Insemination targets ______________________________ 9

3.3 Weight development ____________________________ 10

3.4 Feed and water intake curves ______________________ 13

3.5 Nutrient recommendations ________________________ 15

3.6 Summary table _________________________________ 20

3.7 Management in the rearing facility _________________ 22

3.7.1 Improving bone and leg quality _______________ 22

3.7.2 Space requirements ________________________ 23

3.7.3 Transfer of gilts to the sow herd ______________ 24

3.8 Appendix ______________________________________ 24

3.8.1 Weight development curves _________________ 24

3.8.2 Mineral and vitamins requirements ____________ 26

3.8.3 Amino acid recommendations ________________ 27

4. Sow feeding _____________________________ 30

4.1 Introduction ____________________________________ 30

4.2 Basic feeding strategies __________________________ 30

4.3 Conditions for nutrient recommendations ____________ 32

4.4 Nutrient recommendations ________________________ 32

4.4.1 Flush diets ________________________________ 32

4.4.2 Gestation ________________________________ 33

4.4.3 Transition ________________________________ 38

4.4.4 Lactation ________________________________ 43

4.5 Management in the sow barns ____________________ 49

4.5.1 Piglet birth weight _________________________ 49

4.5.2 Managing body condition ___________________ 50

4.5.3 Group housing of sows _____________________ 52

4.6 Appendix ______________________________________ 54

4.6.1 Backfat measurement instructions ____________ 54

4.6.2 Mineral and vitamin recommendation _________ 55

4.6.3 Amino acid recommendations ________________ 57

4.6.4 Temperature adjustments ___________________ 57

Index

4 5

The Topigs 20 is a unique female; balancing prolificacy, efficiency and productivity.

The Topigs 20 is a hybrid maternal breed combining the Large White Z-line and Landrace N-line. Topigs 20 is calm and self-reliant sow with robust legs, produces a large number of piglets per litter,and shows excellent mothering abilities.

unique characteristics of the Topigs 20 include: •Highfertilitytraits. •Excellentmotheringabilities. •Calmandself-reliantwithrobustlegs.

In short the Topigs 20 can be described as a dam line easy to manage that weans high number of piglets with a low amount of labor input, producing large number of high quality finishers in her productive life.

Weaning to1st ins.: <6 days

Farrowing percentage: >90%

Total number born: >16 piglets

Total born alive: >15 piglets

Stillborn: <0.8 piglets

Pre-wean mortality: <12%

Weaned per litter: >13 piglets

2. The Topigs 20 sow

Understanding an animals’ genetic potential is of key importance when deciding on a nutritional feeding strategy that will promote a high number of weaned piglets during a sow’s productive lifetime.As the provider of the genetic material, Topigs Norsvin also wants to support our clients in achieving good production results at a farm level, by providing guidelines on how to feed and manage these animals.

The aim of this feed manual is to provide a feeding guideline based on the nutritional requirements ofthe Topigs 20 replacement gilt and sow. Topigs Norsvin conducts a variety of trials to determine the performance potential of our animals and uses this information to develop up-to-date and practical feed advice for all markets. A specially developed mathematical model, the Topigs Norsvin Feed Model, was used to estimate the animals’ daily nutritional requirements. The feeding manuals provide information on daily nutritional requirements, dietary recommendations, feed intake curves, growth curves and practical management advice. Animal performance can be influenced by a variety of factors; therefore applying the recommended feed intake curves to the latter will not always ensure the best performance or best economical results. To achieve optimal production performance you must ensure that the feed intake curves and/or diets are adapted to herd management and animal condition.

The feeding manuals are part of a continuous program to determine the precise nutrient requirements of Topigs Norsvin’s genetics. As more research data becomes available and feed technology improves, the more accurate we will be in predicting the requirements of our animals. PRoducTIon TaRGeTS

1. Introduction

Topigs Norsvin Nutrition Team

P.O.Box86,5268ZHHelvoirt,TheNetherlands

Telephone: +31 411 64 88 70

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Gilt rearing

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3.1 Introduction

Proper gilt development and management has a significant impact on the lifetime performance of all females. By managing the female correctly during development, her lifetime productivity will be maximized. The young gilt is the future of the pig production enterprise and must be treated with great care and attention. She must be fed and managed properly to help her achieve her full breeding potential. Proper replacement gilt management begins in the early stages of a gilt’s life and ends when the gilts are inseminated.

Proper gilt management includes correct housing environment, transportation, animal flow, preventative vaccination, adaptation, development, selection and nutrition. If any of these areas are compromised, it can affect the gilt’s lifetime productivity resulting in a decreased production performance and increased production cost.

The aim of this chapter is to provide our clients with the necessary information on how to rear andfeed the future reproductive sow to ensure a high lifetime production performance.

The Topigs Norsvin goal in replacement gilt feeding is to aid in muscle and skeletal development,while developing the gilt for maximum lifetime reproduction.

Topigs norsvin’s definition of an ideal replacement gilt includes:

•Easytohandleduringrearing.

•Strongstructuraldevelopmentthatwillenablehertostayinthesowherdforatleastsevenparities.

•Easytofeedandmanageinsmallandlargersystems.

•Atleast15functionalteatstosupportthelargerlitters.

3. Gilt rearing 3.2 Insemination targets

The target of the feed program is to develop the gilts in such a way that they will have the proper weight and confirmation at insemination.

The recommended insemination targets are given below: •Inseminationweights,kg:140-150kg •Backfat,mm:12-14mm •Age,days:230-250days •Numberofheats:Secondorthirdheat •Lifetimegrowthrate(g/d):560-650gperday

underdeveloped gilts (<140 kg, <12 mm and >230 days)

•Willleadtolessmatureandunderdevelopedgiltsinthefarrowinghouse.

•Loweroveralllifetimereproductiveperformance.

•Lowerfeedintakecapacity.

•Insufficientbodyreservestosupportbiggerlitters.

•Higherbodyconditionlossesduringfirstlactation,whichcouldleadtosecondparitydipsor

premature culling.

overdeveloped gilts (>150 kg, >14 mm and <250 days)

•Increasestheoverallphysicalsizeofthesowsintheherd.

•Increasesthesow’smaintenancerequirements.

•Increasestheriskforlameness,thuspossiblyreducinglongevity.

•Decreasessowherdfeedefficiency.

•Morefarrowingdifficulties.

•Morepronetofeedrefusalduringlactation.

The consequences of inseminating gilts when they are outside the given target ranges:

InSeMInaTInG GIlTS

Itishighlyrecommendedtomonitorandmeasureallreplacementgiltsonthegivenparameters(weight,backfatandage),toensurethatgiltsareinseminatedwithinthegiventargetranges.

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3.3 Weight development

The main objective during rearing is to ensure controlled and steady growth and development of the gilts. The weight development of the Topigs 20 replacement gilt needs to be monitored on a regular basis, and if necessary diets, and feeding strategies must be adjusted to ensure that gilts are developing within the given weight development ranges.

Osteochondrosis(OC)isalameness-relatedconditionwhichcanresultinprematurecullingofbreedingsows. OC usually affects individuals at early growth stages. The recommended weight curves and feeding strategies of the Topigs 20 replacement gilt takes this timeframe into account by avoiding too rapid growthintheyouthphase(25to55kg)butallowingthegiltsthespacetodevelopmorenatural,butstillcontrolled in the later phases of the development trajectory. This growth strategy ensures a more optimal structural development during rearing.

Different raw materials are used around the world to feed gilts. The feeding strategies and diets fed to gilts also vary from farm to farm and country to country. These differences will have an impact on the growth rate and weight development of the rearing gilt. The recommendations for gilt weight develop-ment by Topigs Norsvin take these differences into account by dividing gilts into two growth groups:

Theaimistoensurethatgiltsdevelopbetweenthelowerandupperboundary.Measuring(weighing)ofgilts on a regular basis will ensure that they develop as recommended. Feed programs must then be adjusted accordingly. Regardless of the gilts growth rate during rearing, the insemination targets set for the Topigs 20 need to be reached at insemination.

A suggested weight development curve for the Topigs 20 is given below.

Aneasyprintableversionofthecurvethatcanbeusedinthebarnisavailablein

theappendix3.8.1.

Ensuringasoundstructuraldevelopmentingiltsduringrearingcanbeachievedby

feedrestriction,butitismorepreferabletocontrolthegrowthdevelopment

throughdietaryenergyrestrictionandphasefeeding.

Slower growing (lower boundary)

= average lifetime growth of 560g

Faster growing (upper boundary)

= average lifetime growth of 650g

Table 1. Recommended weight development during rearing for the Topigs 20 gilt

Weeks day Slow growers (kg) Topigs norsvin advice (kg) Fast growers (kg)

9 63 23 24 25

10 70 27 28 29

11 77 30 32 33

12 84 35 36 37

13 91 39 41 42

14 98 44 46 47

15 105 49 51 52

16 112 54 56 58

17 119 59 61 63

18 126 65 67 69

19 133 70 72 75

20 140 75 78 81

21 147 81 84 86

22 154 86 89 92

23 161 92 95 98

24 168 97 100 103

25 175 102 105 109

26 182 107 110 114

27 189 112 115 119

28 196 116 120 124

29 203 121 125 129

30 210 125 129 133

31 217 129 134 138

32 224 133 138 142

33 231 137 142 146

34 238 141 145 150

35 245 144 149 153

36 252 147 152 157

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WaTeR

Preventing gilts from becoming excessively heavy before mating through feeding management is a challenge for many producers. While we know that controlled feeding of gilts is an effective means to prevent excessive body condition, this may be impractical for most producers.

Compared to leaner-type maternal gilts, the Topigs 20, might develop excessive body condition, when fed ad libitum during gilt rearing. Therefore, the Topigs 20 gilt can be fed ad libitum during the rearing period, as long as the following conditions are met:

•Minimumthreespeciallydevelopedgiltrearingdiets(3phasefeeding). •Additionalmineralsandvitaminstosupportleangrowthandbonedevelopment. •Continuousmonitoringofweightdevelopmenttoensurethatinseminationtargetsarereached. •Dietarylevelsinthegiltrearingdietsareadjustedtoensuregiltsdevelopwithinthegivenweight

boundaries.

Research has shown that feeding gilts restrictively with a low energy diet during rearing can improve longevity. Likewise, Topigs Norsvin recommends that gilts are allowed to develop controlled but normally during rearing. This can be achieved by either lowering the energy level in the first phase diets, or by controlled feeding. Dietary restriction through lowering the energy levels is the more preferred method to control their growth, because it is important to keep the young gilts full and satisfied. Keeping the gilts full and satisfied is also a preventative measure to avoid stereotypic behaviour, fighting and tail biting.

An estimation of the daily feed and water intake needs of the Topigs 20 gilt are given in the table below (Table2).Thefeedintakecurvecanalsobeusedasareferenceforfarmsusingcomputerizedfeedingsystems and farms that prefer to feed gilts according to a daily feed allowance.

3.4 Feed and water intake curves

Water is essential for life, and is the nutrient that is required in the largest quantity by swine. Current research provides only estimated water requirements because there are many different factors that can influence the amount of water required by rearing gilts on a daily basis.

as a general rule: rearing gilts will consume 2.5 to 4.0 times more water than feed.

It is recommended to not change diets and feeders at the same time.The combination of a new diet and a change in feeding system during rearing may result in a reduced feed intake and a delay in the weight and backfat thickness development of the animals. When a new diet and/or a new feeding system are introduced into a farm, daily monitoring of the gilts feed intake becomes highly important.

ad libitum feeding programThe feed program recommended in this manual is related to the recommended feed curves and weight development curve. When gilts are fed ad libitum it is very important to monitor their weight development. In some cases it might be necessary to adjust the dietary levels of the rearing diets to ensure gilts develop within the given weigh guidelines.

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Table 2. Recommended feed and water intake for the Topigs 20 during rearing

The RecoMMended

Feed cuRve can be

uSe In PRoGRaMS

WheRe GIlTS aRe

Fed uSInG

a coMPuTeRIzed

FeedInG SySTeM.

The Feed cuRve IS

a Modelled Feed

cuRve, develoPed

To Reach

The WeIGhT TaRGeTS.

The WaTeR

RequIReMenT

IS baSed

on The ReFeRence

FRoM nRc, 2012.

The RecoMMendaTIon

IS The MInIMuM

RequIReMenT

PeR GIlT PeR day.

Weeks day Feed Intake (kg) Water Intake (l)

9 63 1.1 3.3

10 70 1.3 4.0

11 77 1.5 4.8

12 84 1.6 5.4

13 91 1.9 6.0

14 98 2.1 6.7

15 105 2.2 7.1

16 112 2.3 7.6

17 119 2.4 8.0

18 126 2.5 8.5

19 133 2.6 9.0

20 140 2.7 9.4

21 147 2.7 9.8

22 154 2.7 9.8

23 161 2.7 10.1

24 168 2.7 10.4

25 175 2.8 10.6

26 182 2.8 10.8

27 189 2.8 11.0

28 196 2.8 11.2

29 203 2.8 11.2

30 210 2.8 11.2

31 217 2.9 11.6

32 224 2.9 11.6

33 231 2.9 11.6

34 238 2.9 11.6

35 245 2.9 11.6

36 252 2.9 11.6

000

030

060

090

0120

0150

WaTeR InTake

Feed InTake

3.5 nutrient recommendations

Proper feeding management during rearing is important for a gilt overall reproductive performance as it ensures a good body condition and soundness of legs and feet. The nutrient recommendations and feeding strategies for gilt rearing in this manual are limited to the period from 24 kg to 150 kg live weight. The Topigs Norsvin nutrient recommendations for gilt development are designed to meet nutrient demands for adequate protein accretion and maximizing the productive life of the gilt. They are notdesignedtomaximizeaveragedailygain(ADG),aswouldbethegoalofacommercialfeedingprogram.

Topigs Norsvin recommends feeding a three-phase dietary program to gilts, starting from 24 kg until first service. A three-phase feeding program offers the flexibility to better feed to the needs of the gilts, but also to control and steer their development better. A three-phase dietary program offers the possibility to feed the gilts more restrictively during the earlier stages of rearing, and then diets with more digestible fibre can be used in later phases ensuring the satiety of the animals while allowing them to develop naturally.

Most commercial pig diets are either corn-soybean based or wheat-barley-soybean based. Pigs fed well-balanced wheat-barley-soybean based diets can perform as well as those fed corn-soybean diets, and the main difference is the minimal energy levels reachable when using these two different feed sources. The dietary recommendations for gilt rearing in this manual take these differences into account, by providing a minimum and maximum level for each nutrient. The minimum nutrient levels represent the wheat-barley-soybean markets and the maximum nutrient levels represent the corn-soybean markets.TheratiobetweenLysineandEnergyaresimilarforbothfeedmarkets.

The nutrient recommendations are given in table 3.

Recommended program for rearing of the Topigs 20 gilt:

•Therearingprogramshouldstartat24kgandendatfirstservice.

•Aminimumofthreedietaryphasesusedduringtherearingperiod.

•Ensurethatthereisasmoothtransitionbetweenthediets.

•Startflushinggiltsatleast10to14daysbeforefirstservice.

•Thefeedprogram(dietaryrecommendations)isrelatedtothegivenweightandfeedintake targets

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Table 3. The dietary recommendations for a three phase rearing program

1 Recommended available and digestible phosphorus levels are based on diets formulated without the use of Phytase. If Phytase is used, then these phosphorus levels must be readjusted

Weight Range nutrients unit Min* Max*

24-50 kg(age 9 to 14w)

Net Energy MJ/kg 9.4 9.7

LysineSID g/kg 9.4 9.7

SIDLys/NE g/MJ 1.0 1.0

Calcium g/kg 8.0 8.5

AvailablePhosphorus1 g/kg 3.8 4.0

DigestiblePhosphorus1 g/kg 2.9 3.0

51-90 kg(age 15 to 22w)







91 kg - Flushing(age 23 to flushing)







(10 to 14 days before insemination)







Rearing 3

Flushing

Rearing 2

Rearing 1

*MIn = WheaT-baRley-Soybean MaRkeT

*Max = coRn-Soybean MaRkeT

18 19

Figure 1. The dietary recommendations for a three-phase rearing program

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

10

30

50

70

90

110

130

150

170

age (weeks) age (weeks)

Wei

ght

(kg

)

Rearing 1 Rearing 2 Rearing 3 InseminationFlushing

20 21

diets age age Weight Feed Intake

Weeks days kg kg

Rearing 1

9 63 24 1.1

10 70 28 1.3

11 77 32 1.5

12 84 36 1.6

13 91 41 1.9

14 98 46 2.1

Rearing 2

15 105 51 2.2

16 112 56 2.3

17 119 61 2.4

18 126 67 2.5

19 133 72 2.6

20 140 78 2.7

21 147 84 2.7

22 154 89 2.7

Rearing 3

23 161 95 2.7

24 168 100 2.7

25 175 105 2.8

26 182 110 2.8

27 189 115 2.8

28 196 120 2.8

29 203 125 2.8

30 210 129 2.8

Flushing31 217 134 4.0

32 224 138 4.0

Insemination

33 231 142 4.0

34 238 145 4.0

35 245 149 4.0

36 252 152 4.0

3.6 Summary table

Table 4. Summary table for rearing of the Topigs 20 gilt

Water Intake ne, MJ/day SId lysine, g/day

l Min Max Min Max

3.3 10.7 11.0 10.7 11.0

4.0 12.6 13.0 12.6 13.0

4.8 14.5 15.0 14.5 15.0

5.4 15.5 16.0 15.5 16.0

6.0 17.4 18.0 17.4 18.0

6.7 19.4 20.0 19.4 20.0

7.1 20.3 21.0 20.3 21.0

7.6 20.8 21.5 17.7 18.3

8.0 21.8 22.5 18.5 19.1

8.5 22.7 23.5 19.3 20.0

9.0 23.7 24.5 20.1 20.8

9.4 24.6 25.4 20.9 21.6

9.8 24.6 25.4 20.9 21.6

9.8 24.8 25.7 21.1 21.8

10.1 24.8 25.7 21.1 21.8

10.4 24.8 25.7 21.1 21.8

10.6 25.2 26.0 17.6 18.2

10.8 25.2 26.0 17.6 18.2

11.0 25.2 26.0 17.6 18.2

11.2 25.2 26.0 17.6 18.2

11.2 25.2 26.0 17.6 18.2

11.2 25.2 26.0 17.6 18.2

12.0 38.4 39.2 25.2 24.8

12.0 38.4 39.2 25.2 24.8

12.0 38.4 39.2 25.2 24.8

12.0 38.4 39.2 25.2 24.8

12.0 38.4 39.2 25.2 24.8

12.0 38.4 39.2 25.2 24.8

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3.7 Management in the rearing facility

In this manual we define the rearing period from 24 kg to first service. During rearing, stress must be kept to a minimum; especially before insemination. Proper handling and housing management during rearing is as important as proper nutrition. The aim of a good gilt management program should be to optimize the animals’ reproductive performance and longevity. More detailed information on manage-ment during rearing is available in the “Topigs Norsvin Gilt Management Manual”.

3.7.1 Improving bone and leg quality

It has been the common practice in many countries to rear replacement gilts using finisher or gestation diets. Maximizing lean growth by using a finisher diet could lead to osteochondrosis and leg weakness and possibly result in an increase in the herds replacement rate. This is partly due to the vitamin and trace element levels in finisher diets which do not support optimal bone development. Young animals are often culled due to locomotive problems such as lameness, osteochondrosis and poor claw health. The current changes to sow group housing systems will require animals with a sound leg and feet development. Topigs Norsvin gives the following recommendations with regards to improving bone and leg quality during rearing:

•Prevent excessive growth rates: Follow the given recommendations for an average lifetime growth rate of 560-650 g/d. Monitor the weight development of the gilts closely by using the given weight development graphs. Make the necessary adjustments to the diets and feed programs to ensure the gilt develops within the ideal weight boundaries.

•use more available mineral sources: The inclusion of highly available trace elements has been shown to improve gilt performance and resulted in better conformation and skeletal development. Consider the differences in the availability of essential minerals between different mineral sources.

•optimize the dietary electrolyte balance (deb):Ifasow’sdiethasanoverloadofanions(-)comparedtocations(+)theriskofacidosisincreases.Iftheincidenceofacidosisisprolonged,lessbone formation and even bone degradation will take place due to calcium mobilization.

•correct calcium and Phosphorus levels (ratio): The calcium and phosphorus requirements for complete bone integrity are higher than the requirements for optimal growth rate and feed efficiency. Follow the given recommendations and ensure that any readjustments are done correctly when using Phytase.

•Minerals and vitamins: The mineral and vitamin needs of the reproducing female is greater than that of finishers. For gilts entering the breeding herd, the typical vitamin premix in the finishing diet should be replaced with a ”breeder” vitamin premix. This premix should contain increased levels of thefat-solublevitaminsA,D,EandKandthewater-solublevitaminswithspecialattentiontocholine, biotin and folic acid that are relatively low or absent in typical finishing diets.

•Flooring quality: Good claw health requires good flooring. The floor must be kept dry and non-slip-pery in order to provide good grip and to reduce the risk of injuries.

3.7.2 Space requirements

Adequate space is required to allow gilts to stimulate each other as they come into estrus. The ideal number of gilts per pen ranges from 6 to 10. This will also ensure optimal boar-to-gilt contact during the heat detection process. Sufficient space is also important for skeletal development.

Insufficient floor space and crowded feeding areas could increase the occurrence of antagonistic behavior among gilts. The required space per gilt depends on the type of feeding system, group size and the pen layout. The largest/oldest gilt should be used as the standard when calculating space requirements.

The minimum floor and feeder spaces are given below:

Weight (kg)Trough/hopper length/Pig

Restrict fed* (mm) ad lib Fed (mm)

5 100 75

10 130 33

15 150 38

35 200 50

60 240 60

90 280 70

120 300 75

+120 +350 +75

Eachcountryestablishedawiderangeofdetailedlegislativeprovisionsconcerningthewelfareandminimum standards for farm animals. These recommendations need to be taken into account and need to act as the minimum standards.

* as set by the Welfare of Farmed animals Regulations 2003.

• 25-100 kg life weight =1.0 m²



Floor*

Feeder

Table 5. Minimum feeder space recommendations

* Space including feeder

24 25

3.7.3 Transfer of gilts to the sow herd

After the rearing phase gilts need to be transferred into the sow herd. Via a well-designed protocol for quarantine and a planned adaptation of the gilts, they will be ready for insemination. In order to increase the incidence of estrus and improved lifetime performance, gilts need to be adapted and acclimatized to their new environment.

During rearing gilts are normally housed in groups and are not used to be kept in individual crates. In most cases the feeding systems in groups vs. crates are also different. All these changes will increase the level of stress and discomfort for the gilts. The biggest issue arises when gilts are serviced during this period of increased stress and discomfort. Research has shown that servicing gilts during stressful periods has led to decreased farrowing rates, fewer live born piglets and an increased rate of return and abortions.

Topigs Norsvin recommends that gilts are moved to individual crates at least two weeks before first service. This will allow the gilts more time to adjust to the new housing system. This will also allow sufficient time to implement a good flush feeding program. The gilts should be moved again five days beforeexpectedinseminationtoadedicatedinseminationarea(sameastheoneusedfornewlyweanedsows),withthecorrectlighting.Thishasshowntofurtherincreasethestrengthandlengthoftheheat,which resulted in improved performance.

•Movegiltstocratesatleasttwoweeksbeforefirstservice.

•Heatdetectionshouldberegisteredwhengiltsarestillingroups, to ensure that they are serviced at second or third oestrus.

•Startflushingthegiltsassoonastheyarehousedinindividualcrates.

•Movegiltspreferablytoasectionwhereonlygiltsarehoused.

•Movegiltsagainfivedaysbeforefirstservicetoadedicatedinsemination area, with the correct lighting.

•Lightintensityfivedaysbeforeinseminationshouldbehigherthan 100 lux at eye level of the gilt.

3.8 appendix

3.8.1 Weight development curves

Figure 2. Page 25.

9 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

020406080100

120

140

160

Fig

ure

2.Easytorecordweigh

tcurvefortheTopigs20gilt

ag

e (w

eeks

)

Weight (kg)

26 27

vitamins units

Gilt Rearing

24 - 50 kg 51 - 90 kg 91 kg – Flushing

Min Max Min Max Min Max

Fat soluble vitamins

Vit. A IU 10000 10000 10000

Vit.D3 IU 2000 2000 2000

Vit. E IU 40 40 40

Vit. K3 mg 1 1 1

Water soluble vitamins

Vit. B1 (Thiamine) mg 1 2 1 2 1 2

Vit. B2 (Riboflavin) mg 4 5 4 5 4 5

Vit. B3 (Nicotinicacid) mg 15 50 15 50 15 50

Vit. B4 (Panthotenicacid) mg 15 30 15 30 15 30

Vit. B6 (Pyridoxine) mg 1 3 1 3 1 3

Vit. B12 (Cobalamin) mcg 30 50 30 50 30 50

Vit. B9 (Folicacid) mg 3 4 3 4 3 4

Vit. B7 (Biotin) mcg 300 500 300 500 300 500

CHOLINE mg 500 750 500 750 500 750

3.8.2 Mineral and vitamins requirements

Table 6. Vitamin requirements for the Topigs 20 gilt

Minerals units

Gilt Rearing

24-50 kg 51-90 kg 91 kg – Flushing


Na % 0.20 0.25 0.15 0.25 0.15 0.25

K % 1.1 1.1 1.1

Mg % 0.25 0.25 0.25

Fe ppm 100 100 100

I ppm 1.5 1.5 1.5

Se ppm 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.5

Cu ppm 150 15 15

Zn ppm 100 100 100

Mn ppm 40 40 40

Cl % 0.15 0.15 0.15

Table 7. Mineral requirement for the Topigs 20 gilt

3.8.3 amino acid recommendations

The amino acid levels are normally expressed in relation to the level of Lysine in the diet, since this is the first limiting amino acid. The calculated digestibility coefficients will differ between feed ingredients; therefore when formulating more complex diets we recommended that standardized ileal digestible valuesareused.TheaminoacidlevelsdisplayedbelowaregivenasSID(standardizedilealdigestible).

Table 8.Recommendedaminoacid(SID)ratiosfortheTopigs20gilt

* Standardized digestible aa contents were calculated using the estimated standardized digestibility coefficients from InraPorc® (2009).

Remarks

•Vitaminandmineralrequirementsarebasedonthelatestrecommendationsandwerederivedfromvarious sources.

•Mineralandvitamininclusionlevelsaretomaximizebonemineralization.

•TherecommendedVitaminstandardsaredeterminedinamountsaddedwithoutregardtothevitamin content of the basic feed.

•Therecommendedminerallevelsarepresentedastotalamountinthefeed.

•TherecommendationofTopigsNorsvinistouseorganicorchelatedmineralsasrecommendedbythe suppliers.

•ThetargetdEB(Na+K-Cl)forgiltdietsare180-240mEq/kgfeedtoensuremaximumbonemineralization.

amino acids* (Ratio) Rearing 1 Rearing 2 Rearing 3

Lysine 100 100 100

Met+Cys 65 65 65

Tryptophan 20 20 19

Threonine 72 72 72

Valine 75 75 75

Isoleucine 65 65 65

Leucine 100 100 100

Histidine 30 30 30

Phenylalanine 60 60 60

28 29

Sow feeding

30 31

4.1 Introduction

Nutrition is one of the key components to ensure that the modern sow achieves her genetic potential for(re)production.Thenutritionaldemandsofthemoderngestatingandlactatingsowandherlitterhave changed significantly over time. Todays genetic advancements have resulted in feed efficient, fast growingandleanerpigs.However,thisprogresshasalsocreatednewchallengeswhenitcomestofeeding the modern sow. Nutrient supply, in the form of amino acids and energy, must be designed to optimizethereproductiveperformanceandtomaintainoptimalcondition(bodyreserves)forthesowsentire productive life. Diets should also be optimized to ensure nutritional welfare and comfort in the animals and also minimize the environmental impact through excretions. To achieve this, a precise adjustment of the feeding level and the feed composition according to the performance level of the sows is required.

Topigs 20 is a robust sow and has excellent mothering abilities. Due to low sow mortality rates, a low number of non-productive days and a high farrowing rate, the overall feed efficiency of Topigs 20 is extremely competitive. During the lactation period, the Topigs 20 sow eat enough feed to meet her and her piglets requirements. Managing the Topigs 20 is not very different than the management of any other sow type. The difference is in how closely these management practices have to be followed in order to optimize production. By following the basic feed advice of Topigs Norsvin for the Topigs 20 sow, maximum productivity can be reached.

4.2 basic feeding strategies

The objective of the feeding program for the Topigs 20 sow is to: •Maximizethenumberofpigsperlitter.•Optimizepigletbirthweightanduniformity.•Maximizenumberoflittersperyearpersow.•Maximizelactationyield.•Optimizelongevityandlifetimeproductivity.

The feeding strategy for the Topigs 20 sow is based on the body condition targets and the stage of production. The feeding strategies are developed to provide the correct nutrient levels, at the right time to meet the sow’s daily nutritional requirements. Topigs Norsvin recommends to feed a minimum of five well developed sow diets. The practicalities of feeding different diets are always a concern. Alternatively, the basic sow diets may be fed with ‘top-dressing’ supplements, to meet their daily needs.

4. Sow feeding

Wean to mating

early Gestation

Mid Gestationlate

Gestation

Transitiondiet

lactation

1

2

3

4

5

The RecoMMended FIve SoW dIeTS

The recommended sow diets:

1. Flushdiet: Fed from weaning to mating to stimulate ovum development.

2. GestationDiet1: Older parity sow diet. Fed to all sows older than second parity. This diet have a lower amino acid to energy ratio.

3. GestationDiet2: Gilt gestation diet. Fed to all gilts and second parity sows. Thisdietcanalsobefedtoallsowsinlategestation(>85dayspregnant)toenhance piglet birth weights. This diet have a higher amino acid to energy ratio.

4. TransitionDiet: Fed during the transition period between gestation and lactation (fromday110ofgestationtill2-3daysafterfarrowing).

5. LactationDiet: To maximize feed intake and milk yield during lactation. Fed for the duration of the lactation period.

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4.3 conditions for nutrient recommendations

To obtain the maximum productive potential from the Topigs 20 it is fundamental to adjust the sow’s body condition, to optimize the daily amount of feed offered and to supply the correct dietary require-ment levels during all stages of production.

Understanding the different factors that affect nutrient requirements and feed intake can assist in developing a successful sow feeding program.

The feeding advice for the Topigs 20 is based on the following basic assumptions: •Drymashdiet. •Controlledfeedprogram. •Conventionalhealth. •Optimalhousingconditions. •Thermalneutralconditions.

Most commercial pig diets are either corn-soybean based or wheat-barley-soybean based. Pigs fed well balanced wheat-barley-soybean based diets can perform as well as those fed corn-soybean diets and the main difference is the minimal energy levels reachable when using these two different feed sources. The dietary recommendations for sows in this manual take these differences into account, by providing a minimum and maximum level for each nutrient. The minimum nutrient levels represent the wheat-barley-soybean markets and the maximum nutrient levels represent the corn-soybean markets. The daily nutrient requirements of sows are however similar, independent of any market or available raw materials.

4.4 nutrient recommendations

4.4.1 Flush diets Shortterm,highlevelfeeding(flushing)afterweaninguntilmating,willincreasethequalityoftheoocytes in breeding animals. Flush feeding gilts and sows have been shown to increase plasma levels of follicle-stimulatinghormone(FSH)andthepulsefrequencyofluteinizinghormone(LH),suggestingthatitenhancesoocytequality(sizeanduniformity)bystimulatingthesecretionofgonadotropins.

Important factors to consider:•Energyandnutrientintakeshouldbemaximizedbeforematingbymaintainingahighfeedintake

level until the sow is serviced. Sows must follow an ad libitum feed schedule from weaning to service.

•Specializedflushfeedmustbefedduringthisphase.Theenergysourceofthedietmustoriginatefromacarbohydrateconstituent(especiallystarchandsugars).Itisnotrecommendedtouse a standard lactation feed.

•Dextrosecanhavepositiveeffectsonpigletvitalitywhenincorporatedintotheflushdiet.Ensurethatthe sows receive a minimum of 150 grams of Dextrose per day.

•TheratiobetweenessentialaminoacidsandLysineshouldfollowtherecommendationsgivenfor the lactating sow.

•Itisrecommendedtofollowthevitaminsandmineralrecommendationsofthelactationsow.

•Additionalmineralsandvitaminscanalsobeprovidedduringtheflushperiod.Higherlevelsof VitA,VitE,VitB12,Folicacid,CobaltandChromiumhaveshowntohaveapositiveeffect on reproduction.

Table 9. Nutrient recommendations for a flush diet

nutrientsWheat-barley-Soy corn-Soy

Min* Max* Min* Max*

ADFI,kg/day 3.5 4.5 3.0 4.0

NetEnergy,MJ/kg 9.5 9.7 9.7 9.9

LysineSID,g/kg 5.9 6.1 6.1 6.2

SIDLys/NE 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63

Starchandsugar,g/kg 400 450

Calcium,g/kg 7.0 7.5 7.5 8.0

Available P1,g/kg 3.4 3.6 3.6 3.8

DigestibleP1,g/kg 2.5 2.7 2.7 2.9

1 Recommended available and digestible phosphorus levels are based on diets formulated without the use of Phytase. If Phytase is used, then these phosphorus levels must be readjusted.

•Developaspecialflushfeed,thatis100%focusedonimproving reproduction performance from weaning to mating.

•Donotusealactationfeedasaflushfeed.Lactationfeedsaredeveloped to achieve maximum milk production, not to flush sows.

•Feedingsowsadlibitumrequiresfeedingadditionallymoreoftenperday.Feed at least three to four times a day with smaller amounts to increase feed intake during weaning to mating.

•Sowswillnaturallyreducetheirfeedintakewhentheyareinheat. Reduce feed allowance to normal levels to reduce wastage.

•Providedwateradlibitum,butpreventwetfloors.

4.4.2 Gestation

Proper feeding of gestating animals directly benefit the lactation performance and also piglet vitality. It is important that gestating sows receive enough amino acids and energy to support body maintenance, bodyrecoveryfrompreviouslactation,andfetalandmammaryglandgrowth(especiallyduringthelasttrimester).Duringgestation,sufficientbodyreservesmustbeaccumulatedtocompensateforeventualnutritional deficits that may occur in the following lactation period.

Duringthefirstsixweeksofgestation(0-45days)thesowusesmostofthefeedformaintenanceandtoregainlostcondition.Sowscanlooseonaverage2-5mmofbackfat(measuredattheP2position)during lactation. Depending on the sow’s condition at weaning, the desired feed level of the individual sow must be determined after mating. On day 84 the sow should have regained the adequate body condition, weight and backfat; so that the feed surplus can be used for piglet growth.

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Topigs Norsvin recommends to feed a minimum of two gestation diets. Feeding two gestation diets, offers the ability to better meet the daily demands of the gestating sows, but also offers the possibility to further enhance sow productivity and longevity.

The main difference between the two gestation diets, is in the ratio between the amino acids and energy. The two gestation diets are described as follows:

Gestation 1(Loweraminoacidtoenergyratio) •Olderparitysowdiet. •Fedtoallsowsolderthansecondparity. •Fedfortheentirepregnancyperiod(day5untilday110,oruntiltransfertothefarrowingunit). •Canalsobefedtoallsowsfromday5untilday84(oruntiltransfertothefarrowingunit).

Gestation 2(Higheraminoacidtoenergyratio) •Giltgestationdiet. •Fedtoallgiltsandsecondparitysows. •Fedfortheentirepregnancyperiod(day5untilday110oruntiltransfertothefarrowingunit). •Canalsobefedtoallsowsfromday85tillday110(oruntiltransfertothefarrowingunit).

Table 10. Multipurpose gestation diets

lower aa: energy (5-84 d)

higher aa:energy(85-110 d)

Mixedparities Gestation 1 Gestation 2

Parity 1 and 2 Gestation 2

Parity ≥ 3 Gestation 1

The advantage of feeding two gestation diets:

•Minimizingtheoverfeedingofnutrientstosows.

•Easiertomanageandcontrolthebodyconditionofsows.

•Feedingtwogestationdietsalsohaseconomicbenefitsbyreducingsowfeedcostperyear.

•Improvedsowandlitterperformance.

Topigs 20

cycle 1 2/3 ≥4

NetEnergy,MJ/d1 21.2 24.2 28.4

SID-Lysine,g/d1 10.9 11.0 9.9

SID-Lys/NE,g/MJ 0.51 0.45 0.35

Topigs 20

cycle 1 2/3 ≥4

NetEnergy,MJ/d1 23.2 23.8 25.58

SID-Lysine,g/d1 13.6 10.2 9.8

SID-Lys/NE,g/MJ 0.58 0.43 0.38

Topigs 20

cycle 1 2/3 ≥4

NetEnergy,MJ/d1 25.6 25.4 27.2

SID-Lysine,g/d1 19.1 15.3 15.0

SID-Lys/NE,g/MJ 0.75 0.6 0.55

daily nutritional requirements

Table 11. Daily nutritional requirements of gestating sows during three phases*

0-49 days

50-84 days

85-115 days

1net energy (ne), Metabolizable energy (Me) and standardized ileal digestible (SId) lysine requirements are expressed as the amount required per day to achieve optimal performance.

ne=Me x 0.74 (The conversion factor could be different for each country).

*Maternalbodyweightrecoveryisincludedinthecalculations(75%bodyweightrecoverybetween0-49daysand 20%bodyweightrecoverybetween50-84days).

36 37

diet recommendations

Table 12. Nutrient recommendations for gestation diets

Wheat-barley-Soybean diets with energy levels of 8.9-9.2 ne MJ/kg*

Feed curves

By dividing the energy level of the diet by the daily nutrient requirements of the sow during the three phases, a proper feed scheme can be derived. The examples of feed curves below are based on the example diet calculations. The feed curves need to be further adapted to ensure that sows regain the condition lost during the previous lactation, but also to reach the ideal condition target before entering the next lactation. This is best achieved by feeding each individual sow a well-balanced diet and basing daily feed allowances on an estimation of the sow’s body weight and backfat thickness. The Topigs Norsvin Sow Feed Monitor was developed to assist clients to determine the ideal feed curves based on their local conditions.

corn-Soybean diets with energy levels of 9.1-9.4 ne MJ/kg*

nutrientsGestation 1 Gestation 2

Min* Max* Min* Max*



SIDLys:NEratio 0.52 0.52 0.61 0.61

Calcium,g/kg 7.0 7.5 7.5 8.0

Available P1,g/kg 3.3 3.6 3.6 3.8


nutrientsGestation 1 Gestation 2

Min* Max* Min* Max*



SIDLys:NEratio 0.52 0.52 0.61 0.61

Calcium,g/kg 7.5 8.0 8.0 8.5

Available P1,g/kg 3.6 3.8 3.8 4.0


1Recommended available and digestible phosphorus levels are based on diets formulated without the use of Phytase. If Phytase is used, then these phosphorus levels must be readjusted.

*If only one diet can be fed during gestation, our recommendation is to follow the guideline given for gestation 1.

1Recommended available and digestible phosphorus levels are based on diets formulated without the use of Phytase. If Phytase is used, then these phosphorus levels must be readjusted.

*If only one diet can be fed during gestation, our recommendation is to follow the guideline given for gestation 1.

Table 13. RecommendedfeedcurvesfortheTopigs20(kg)

days/cycle

Topigs 20

1 2/3 ≥4


0-49 2.3 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.9 3.0

50-84 2.6 2.7 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8

85-110 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3

days/cycle

Topigs 20

1 2/3 ≥4


0-49 2.2 2.3 2.5 2.6 2.8 2.9

50-84 2.5 2.6 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7

85-110 2.9 3.0 2.9 3.0 3.1 3.2

Wheat-barley-Soybean Markets

corn-Soybean Markets

corrections for body condition losses

Gestating multiparous sows should be fed according to body condition lost during the previous lactation, so that most sows will be in the desired condition before being transferred to the farrowing crates. In other words, this means increasing the feed allowance for skinny sows and restricting the feed allowance somewhat for fat sows. Use the Topigs Norsvin Sow Feeding monitor to determine the most appropriate feed curve based on body condition of the Topigs 20. The Topigs Norsvin Sow Feed monitor can be found at feedmonitor.topigsnorsvin.com.

The Topigs 20 sow loose on average 8% of her maternal body weight and 2-5 mm of her backfat during lactation.Theaveragepercentagelossisalreadyincludedinthenormalfeedcurves(Table14).Ifsowsareloosing more or less body weight during lactation, the gestation feed curve should be adapted to the Skinny or Fat feed curve. On day 85 of gestation all sows should have regained their adequate body condition, weight and back fat; so that the feed surplus can be used for growth of the piglets in the uterus.

WaTeR

In the beginning of gestation, sows must be supplied with a minimum of 12 litres of water per animal per day. During advanced stages of gestation the water requirement per sow should increase to a minimum of 17 litres per day. In group housing systems sows drink less water and need to drink a minimum of 12 litres of water per sow per day.

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4.4.3 Transition

The transition from late gestation to lactation is crucial for the sow and her offspring; because colostrum is being synthesized pre-partum, nutrients are reallocated from the conceptus to the mammary tissue, massive mammary and fetus growth occurs and milk production is being initiated. The period around farrowing is also critical for the sow because she needs to cope with numerous changes such as moving from a group to an individual pen, changes in diets and the birth of piglets. These environmental and nutritional changes can influence the parturition process, which includes the initial start-up of milk production. The process of parturition is energetically demanding and a larger litter size may increase those energy demands. If the energy demand of the sow during farrowing is not met it might result in reduced contractions of the uterus increasing the risk of asphyxia and stillbirth.

Wheat-barley-Soy corn-Soy

Skinny2 normal1 Fat3 Skinny2 normal1 Fat3

0-49 +250 2.65 -200 +250 2.55 -200

50-85 +150 2.55 -100 +150 2.45 -100

86-110 +100 3.05 0 +100 2.95 0

Table 14.Feedingcurvesformultiparoussows,basedonbodyconditionlosses(kg/day)

1Normal,Feedcurve,undernormalconditions,wherethesowlooses8%ofherbodyweight.

²Skinny,Feedcurve,ifasowisloosing16%bodyweightduringlactation.

3Fat, Feed curve, if a sow is loosing no body weight during lactation.

Main advantages of a transition diet:

•Improvedstart-upofthemilkproductioninthesow.

•Reduceconstipationaroundfarrowing.

•Lowerriskofmastitis,metritisandagalactia(MMA)anduddercongestion.

•Improvedtransitionbetweenthelowernutrientdensegestationdiettothehigher nutrient dense lactation diet.

•Improvedpigletvitalityandsurvivability.

40 41

Practical considerations for a good transition diet/phase:

•Movesowstothefarrowingcratesatleast5-7daysbeforeexpectedfarrowing.

•Startfeedingthetransitiondietatleast4-7daysbeforeexpectedfarrowing.

•Feedthetransitiondietuntil2to3daysafterfarrowing.Thisalsodependsonthelengthof the lactation period: - 21 days - Until 2 days after farrowing - 28 days - Until 2-3 days after farrowing •Ensurethatsimilarrawmaterialsarebeingusedinthegestation,transitionand lactation diets to minimize the stress of a diet change.

•Usetherightfibersourcesduringgestation,transitionandlactation.Somefiberswillgive amorelaxativeeffect,whereasotherswillbringmoreconsistency(Barleyeffect).

•Addtherightcomponentstoprotectandboosttheliver(Choline,L-Carnitine, CitrixacidandBvitamins).

•OptimizethedEBcontentofthegestation,transitionandlactationdiets.

•Minimizeallstressorsaroundfarrowingandavoidmedicatingifpossible.

•Makesurethesowhasfreeaccesstowater.

Normally when changing to a higher density lactation feed, the feed quantity is reduced to prevent unnecessarypressureontheudder(MMA).Thelowerquantityandreducedfibreinclusionsinthefeedcan result in constipation. Constipation and reduced intestinal transit times allow the formation of endotoxinsandgram-negativebacterialgrowth.Endotoxinsareresponsibleforreducedformationofprolactinaswellasthestimulationoftheimmunesystem.Thisreducesmilkproduction(dysgalactica)and increases the risk of mastitis. Constipation could also lead to narrowing of the birth channel and more stillborn piglets because the parturition process is being prolonged. Feeding a high fibre diet during the transition phase could prevent constipation around farrowing.

how to reduce the incidence of constipation:

•Givefreeaccesstowater(ifpossible,putextrawaterinthetrough, even before farrowing). Sows need between 17-25 litres of fresh water per day during the transition period.

•Waterflowofthewaternippleshouldbeatleast3litresperminute.

•Aminimumamountoffeedshouldbesuppliedtoensurealaxative effect through intestinal movements.

•Supplysowswithsomeadditionalnaturallaxativee.g.Wheatbran.

•Minerallaxativescanalsobeaddede.g.MgO.

•Feedahighfibrediettopreventconstipation.


Table 15. Nutrient recommendations for a transition diet

Feed curve

The advantage of feeding a transition diet is that you can increase the feed allowance before farrowing without any negative effects on udder development and start-up of milk production. Feeding higher volumes of the transition diets around farrowing is also a way to prevent constipation and may result inmore relaxed sows.

Theobjectiveistofeedasimilaramountofdailyenergythelastdaywhensowsareon

thegestationfeedthanthefirstdaywhentheyareonthetransitionfeed(orlactation

feed).Theidealfeedamountduringtransitionwillthusdependonthetotalenergy

suppliedbeforethetransitionperiod.


Min* Max* Min* Max*

ADFI,kg/day 3.2 3.3 2.9 3.1



SIDLys:NEratio 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68

Calcium,g/kg 7.0 7.3 7.3 7.6

Available P1,g/kg 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.5



Producersnotusingatransitionfeed,shouldmakesuretodecreasethefeed

allowance1-2daysbeforeparturitionandgiveroughageinthisperiodtomaintain

bowelmovementandavoidconstipation;andofcourseadlibwaterinexcess.

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Recommended feed curve when using a transition diet

Recommended feed curve when no transition feed is used

Excessfeedintakeduringthepre-farrowingperiodcanresultinexcessiveproductionofmilkthatleadsto congestion of the udder and can also lead to further tissue damage. If fed high levels of protein/energy(suchasinthelactationdiet),udderdevelopmentcanberapidandtooexcessiveintheimmedi-ate period leading up to farrowing. The failure of new born piglets to “milk out” the sow will lead to pressure build-up in the udder, damaging the milk producing cells and thus compromising milk yield during the entire lactation period. The key to avoid this problem is to gradually reduce the feed levels prior to farrowing and gradually increasing feed intake after farrowing.

Table 16.Recommendedfeedcurveifnotransitiondietisbeingused(kg)

*It is recommended to follow the Min for gilts and Max for older parity sows.

4.4.4 lactation

In order for a sow to achieve a high rate of milk production, the appropriate amount of nutrients must be available. If the dietary supply of nutrients is not sufficient to support milk synthesis, the sow will mobilize her own maternal body tissues, or ”milk off her back”. With leaner genotypes the amount of reserves available is rather limited and therefore nutrient intake to support her needs are of utmost importance.

The aim of the feed program for the Topigs 20 is to maximize milk production without incurring sub-stantial losses in body condition that impair subsequent reproductive performance. With increased milk production; management and nutritional factors must be changed to facilitate the increased demands of the sow.

The nutritional requirements for the Topigs 20 are based on estimated production levels. Litter gain serves as an indicator for production performance in lactating sows. The litter gain estimates for the Topigs 20 is between 2.5 kg/day and 3.3 kg/day. Measuring and registration of piglet litter weight at birth and at weaning are key aspects in determining the nutrient requirements of the sows. The nutrient requirements during lactation depends on the length of lactation. The norm used in this feed manual is 21 and 28 days of lactation.

Theperformanceofgeneticallyleansowsduringlactationhingesontheprovisionof

sufficientdietaryenergytofuelmaximummilksynthesis.Asaresult,increasingbody

storesoffatduringgestationmayofferimprovementsinperformanceduringlactation.

Topigs norsvin litter weight gain calculation

Litterweightgain=(Litterweanweight-(NumberpigletstobenursedxAveragebirth

weightofpiglets))/Lactationlength

Topigs 20

Feed curve, d Min* Max*

Day110 2.7 2.9

Day111 2.6 2.8

Day112 2.5 2.7

Day113 2.3 2.5

Day114(Farrowing) 1.5 - 2.0 1.5 - 2.5

Day1 2.5 3.0

Day2 3.0 3.5

GeS

TaT

Ion

lac

TaT

IonTRanSITIon Feed

Max

Min

Day110 Dayoffarrowing 2 3 4

GeS

TaT

Ion

lac

TaT

Ion

Max

Min

Day110 Dayoffarrowing 2 3 4

44 45

daily nutritional requirements

Table 17. Daily nutritional requirements of lactating sows

21 days lactation period

1 net energy (ne), Metabolizable energy (Me) and standardized ileal digestible (SId) lysine requirements are expressed as the amount required per day to achieve optimal performance.

1ne=Me x 0.74 (The conversion factor could be different for each country).

1MJ=Mcal x 4.184

1 net energy (ne), Metabolizable energy (Me) and standardized ileal digestible (SId) lysine requirements are expressed as the amount required per day to achieve optimal performance.

1ne=Me x 0.74 (The conversion factor could be different for each country).

1MJ=Mcal x 4.184

28 days lactation period

litter gain.kg/day nutrient requirements

Parity

1 2 ≥3

2.5

NetEnergy,MJ/day1 55.4 57.0 57.9

SID-Lysine,g/day1 51.3 51.4 51.6

SID-Lysine/NEtenergy,g/MJ 0.93 0.90 0.89

2.7




2.9




3.1




3.3




litter gain.kg/day nutrient requirements

Parity

1 2 ≥3

2.5




2.7




2.9




3.1




3.3




46 47


Sows with larger litters produce greater amounts of milk, have higher litter gains and therefore have higher nutrient requirements when compared to sows with smaller litters. Reaching litter gains of 3.3 kg perdayishighlydependenton(1)littersize,(2)lactationfeedintake,(3)densityofthedietand(4)piglet feed intake.

Designing lactation diets implies the actual litter gain of the specific farm should be known. Nutrient requirements and diets are given based on daily litter gains and lactation length. Diet calculations are based on the average of second and third parity sows.

Table 18.Nutrientrecommendationsforlactationdiets(21daysweaning)

Table 19.Nutrientrecommendationsforlactationdiets(28daysweaning*)


2.7 2.9 2.7 2.9

ADFI,kg/day 6.3 6.6 6.1 6.4

NetEnergy,MJ/kg 9.8 10.0 10.1 10.3


SIDLys/NE 0.91 0.93 0.91 0.93

Calcium,g/kg 9.0 8.8 9.2 9.0

Available P1,g/kg 4.3 4.2 4.4 4.3



2.9 3.1 2.9 3.1

ADFI,kg/day 6.8 7.1 6.6 6.9

NetEnergy,MJ/kg 9.7 9.9 10 10.2


SIDLys/NE 0.91 0.93 0.91 0.93

Calcium,g/kg 9.0 8.8 9.2 9.0

Available P1,g/kg 4.3 4.2 4.4 4.3




* When piglets are weaned older than 28 days, it is recommended to follow the diet recommendations given for the 28 days lactation period.

Feed curves

The recommended feeding curve is moderately conservative in the first 7 days of lactation in order to minimize incidents of feed refusal among the sows. The objective is to increase the overall lactational feed intake by slowly increasing the daily allowance in the first part of lactation. Feed levels from day 7 should be at a maximum.

Table 20.Feedscheduleduringlactation(kg/day)#

daysWheat-barley-Soy corn-Soy

Feed curve, kg Feed curve, kg

0 2.5# 2.0#

1 3.0 2.5

2 3.5 3.0

3 4.0 3.5

4 4.5 4.0

5 5.0 4.5

6 5.5 5.0

7 6.0 5.5

>7 Ad lib Ad lib

# The feed amount and schedule around farrowing and the first days after farrowing depend on whether a transition diet is being used or not. If a transition diet is being used, begin with the recommended feed curve as soon as the diet change has occurred.

#The daily feed allowance can be reduced with 500 grams/day for first parity gilts, until day 7 of lactation.

•Twotofourmealsperdayisrecommendedtoensurehigherfeed intakes and make sure that the feed is always fresh.

•Controlledfeedingisnotrestrictedfeeding.Managingthefeedintake during lactation will improve sow performance and reduce feed wastage.

•Automatedfeeddeliverysystemsareaneasymeansofmanaging ad libitum feeding.

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Regardless of parity, it is highly recommended to control the feed curve for lactating sows during the first 7 days of lactation. In cases where the feeding system or farm layout does not allow for more controlled lactational feeding, it is our recommendation to control at least the first two to three days after farrowing. After this period sows can be fed ad libitum. We do however recommend monitoring the feed intake and appetite of the sows.

Water intake

The Topigs 20 sows are very docile and calm around farrowing. It is recommended to provide the sow withadditionalwaterduringthisperiod(firstfewdaysafterfarrowing).Duringlactationthewaterrequirements per sow increases as milk production increases. If possible, ad libitum water supply should be provided. The minimum amount of water required per animal must be 15 litres plus 1.5 litres of water for each piglet farrowed.

Tips to ensure maximal appetite during lactation:

•Thefeedshouldalwaysbefresh,neverstale,dirtyorcontaminated.

•Pelletsgivebetterintakethanmeal.Liquidfeedingresultsinan improved feed intake compared to dry feeding. however, hygiene control becomes more important when using liquid feed.

•Agradualincreaseofdailyfeedallowance,thusmatchingthesows nutritional needs with feed levels.

•Reduceenvironmentalstress,heatstresswillreducethefeedintake.

•Fatsowshavealowerfeedintakeduringlactation.

Tips to increase birth weight in piglets:

•Screenthedietregularlyformycotoxins.Highlevelsoftoxinscould reduce the birth weight and vitality of the piglets.

•Ensurethatthereisagoodandsmoothtransitionbetweenthe lactation and gestation diets.

•Preventexcessivebodyconditionlossesduringlactation,asthismight affect the litter size in the next parity.

•Feedintakefromweaningtoinseminationisessentialforensuring higher piglet birth weights (Topigs norsvin research has shown a 45 grams higher piglet birth weight for 1 kg extra feed consumed during this period).

•Usethecorrectaminoacidratioforoptimalfetusdevelopment, especially during the last trimester of gestation.

•Arginine(substratefornitricoxide)hasanimportantroleinregulating placental-fetal bloodflow which is essential in transfer of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus (arginine should be given in gestation diets from day 70 until day 110 of gestation).

•Itiscriticaltofeedthecorrectlevelofmineralsandvitaminsduring gestation and lactation. Folic acid, vit a, Iron, zinc and Mg all play a very important role in fetal development.

•ItisrecommendedtoaddadditionalOmega3fattyacidsduringthe last part of gestation (e.g. fish oil, linseed oil).

•Donotrestrictthefeedintakeofsowsthatareoverweightduringthe last part of gestation. This could affect piglet birth weights.

•Trytoavoidfarrowinginduction,asprematureparturitionmaydecrease piglet birth weights with 40 to 50 grams.

4.5 Management in the sow barns

4.5.1 Piglet birth weight

Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk for stillbirth and mortality of live born piglets until weaning. It is well known that piglets with a birth weight below 1 kg have a lower chance of survival and a lower lifetime performance, independent of their status and litter. Producers should monitor piglet birth weights on a regular basis. The general rule of thumb is that less than 15 % of the piglets in a litter should weigh less than 1 kg at birth.

Birth weight is mostly influenced by sow factors rather than piglet genotype. In this respect, uterine capacity and nutrient supplies are important factors. Sow nutrition plays an important role in the litter uniformity. This is especially important for highly prolific sows in modern commercial environments. As the litter size increases the amount of nutrients available per fetus decreases due to increased fetal competition, which has been related to suboptimal fetal development. Sow reproductive performance, in terms of improved fetal growth and development, can therefore be optimized by feeding the ideal supplementation of amino acids and energy during gestation; even with and increase in litter size.

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4.5.2 Managing body condition

Top performance comes from having sows in the right condition physically throughout their productive life, which means that they conform to the optimal weight, backfat and body condition score at farro-wing and weaning as defined by Topigs Norsvin. The optimum will vary according to sow parity and chosen feed program.

The Topigs Norsvin Sow Feeding Monitor is an online tool that offers nutritionists and farmers the possibility to make a comparison between the average sow herd condition and the recommendations for sow condition by Topigs Norsvin. The comparisons are made on the basis of sow body weight, sow backfatthicknessandsowbodyconditionscore(BCS)atfarrowingandatweaning.ThepurposeoftheSow Feed Monitor is to improve sow herd uniformity by first measuring and realizing the existing condi-tion variation; and then to reduce the variation by adopting the most appropriate feed curves and nutritional strategies.

The Sow Feed Monitor is also referred to as the Topigs Norsvin Box Concept. The box should be seen as body condition boundaries for sow weight, sow backfat and sow BCS. The main objective is to get the TopigsNorsvinsowinthegreenbox(normalconditionranges)orinotherwordswithintherecommen-ded boundaries for weight, backfat or BCS at farrowing and at weaning. The target is to get 85 % of all the sows in the box at farrowing and weaning; thereby improving sow herd uniformity and overall sow herd performance and efficiency.

box concePT

Weight

Backfat

Body Condition Score

Weight

Backfat


Weight

Backfat


Weight

Backfat


Weight

Backfat


Weight

Backfat


before farrowing

after farrowing

Table 21. Body condition boundaries

Recommended body composition before farrowing (end of gestation)

Recommended body composition after farrowing (end of lactation)

ParityWeight backfat bcS


1 200 220 17 18 3 4

2 225 245 16 19 3 4

3 245 265 16 19 3 4

4 265 280 16 19 3 4

5 270 285 16 19 3 4

6 270 290 16 19 3 4

ParityWeight backfat bcS


1 165 185 12 15 2 3

2 185 205 12 15 2 3

3 205 225 12 15 2 3

4 225 245 12 15 2 3

5 225 245 12 15 2 3

6 225 245 12 15 2 3

•TheTopigsNorsvinFeedToolisavailableat:feedmonitor.topigsnorsvin.com

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4.5.3 Group housing of sows

The nutritional needs of the sow housed in group systems are different from individually housed sows. When sows are housed individually the feeding can be controlled and more precisely managed for each individual animal.

The following feeding and managing factors need to be taken into consideration when developing diets for group housed sows.

key factors to consider in developing diets for “Group housed sows”

1. Introducing gilts or sows to the group after the lactation period, could lead to stress. Antagonistic behavior while establishing herd dominance can be observed. These events cause an undesired decrease in feed intake levels after introduction of an animal to a ‘new’ group. This decrease in feed intake can have detrimental effects on the pregnancy rate and also on the subsequent litter sizes. It is therefore advised to increase the individual feed allowances and to minimize any potential stress events after introducing new sows to a group. Takecare: a. More attention needs to be given to gilts and submissive sows. Always check if these animals returntothefeeders(iffedmoremealsperday).

b. Underfeeding can be a problem in animals when using a floor feeding system or crates with free access.

c. Monitor the water intake of sows kept in groups since water intake levels are normally lower in group housed sows than sows kept in crates.

2. Raw materials containing fermentable fiber play a very important role in feeding group housed sows. The inclusion of fermentable fiber reduces the feeling of hunger, thus increasing the satiety level in sows.Highersatietylevelsdonotonlyreducetheamountofantagonisticbehaviorsamongsows,butwill also keep sows calmer throughout the day. This could also help to prevent bottlenecks around feeders. Takecare: a. Strict attention should be paid to young sows and the time they need to consume the higher fibre diets at the individual feeding stations.

3. Sows housed in groups need excellent leg conformation, mainly because sows are moving and walking greater distances. In order to ensure strong legs the following criteria have to be met: a. Proper gilt rearing strategies need to be established. Using gilt rearing diets which are focused on bone mineralization is essential for bone development.

b. Over-conditioned sows often have more leg problems because the weight does not match the leg conformation.

c. Minerals and vitamins which play an essential role in bone and claw development, needtobesuppliedinsufficientquantities(Ca,P,Ca:Pratio,Anion:Cationbalance,Mg,Zn, Mn,Se,VitamineD3andBiotin).

d. The counteractive interactions between minerals need to be taken into consideration when increasing the levels or changing ratio’s.

4. There is no optimum feed curve for sows in group housing systems. Feed curves need to be adjusted to the environmental conditions, parity, sow line, group size, health status and most importantly the body condition of the sows. It is recommended to us the Topigs Norsvin Sow Feed Monitor.

key factors to be considered in managing sows in group housing systems

1. Gilts should be taught how to use an electronic feeding station in the absence of older or more dominant sows. It is also generally accepted that breeding gilts should be taught to express social behaviour by exposing them to older dominant sows a few times prior to introducing them to larger sow groups.

2. Insufficient space allowance in group housed sows increases the adverse consequences of aggressive behaviour at introduction and it also induces high levels of stress. Therefore the correct space allowance for sows kept in groups should be respected.

3.Avoidmovingsowsaroundtheperiodthatembryosareattachingtotheuterinewall(day11to 16afterinsemination).Rathermovesowsdirectlyafterinseminationintotheirgroups,oratleastafter28 days after insemination. Legislation might vary from country to country.

4. Group composition should be kept as consistent as possible. Aggressiveness during the introduction of gilts into a sow group can be reduced by familiarizing gilts with older sows first. Also try to keep younger animals together during the whole gestation period.

5. Floor quality is essential in group housed sows. Avoid slippery and unhygienic floors. Bedding is proven to have positive effects, in terms of production, when used in group housed systems.

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4.6 appendix

4.6.1 backfat measurement instructions

Consistency of probe placement is of great importance in obtaining comparative measurements. The procedure must be performed while the pig is standing. The animal must be restrained in a stall, scale, or walkway to simplify handling.

To locate the P2 site and measure backfat the following must be done:

•Findtherearmostedgeofthelast rib on the pig’s left hand side.

•Markaspotverticallyaboveonthemidline.

•Fromthisspot,measure50mm down the left side from the midline.

•Place the probe of the ultrasound machine directly over the P2 site according to the manufacturer’s instructionsandrecordthefatmeasurement(acontactsolutionisusuallyrequiredtogetan accuratereading).

•Itisimportanttorecordtwo layers of backfat.

There are several makes of these devices available thus it is very important to measure the backfat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

backFaT PoSITIon

Perpendicular lineto the last rib

Bac

k m

idlin

e

Figure 3. Topigs Norsvin P2 backfat position

4.6.2 Mineral and vitamin recommendation

Table 22. Vitamin specifications for the Topigs 20 sow

vitamins unitGestation lactation

Min Max Min Max

Fat soluble vitamins

Vit. A IU 10000 12000

Vit.D3 IU 2000 2000

Vit. E IU 40 60

Vit. K3 mg 1 1

Water soluble vitamins

Vit. B1 (Thiamine) mg 1 2 1 3

Vit. B2 (Riboflavin) mg 4 5 5 7.5

Vit. B3 (Nicotinicacid) mg 15 50 15 100

Vit. B4 (Panthotenicacid) mg 15 30 15 30

Vit. B6 (Pyridoxine) mg 1 3 2 4

Vit. B12 (Cobalamin) mcg 30 50 30 100

Vit. B9 (Folicacid) mg 3 4 3 5

Vit. B7 (Biotin) mcg 300 500 300 500

CHOLINE mg 500 750 500 1000

56 57

Table 23. Mineral specifications for the Topigs 20 sow

Remarks

•Vitaminrequirementsarebasedonthelatestrecommendationsandwerederivedfromvarioussources.

•Mineralandvitamininclusionlevelsaretomaximizebonemineralization.

•TherecommendedVitaminstandardsaredeterminedinamountsaddedwithoutregardtothevitamincontent of the basic feed.

•Therecommendedminerallevelsarepresentedastotalamountinthefeed.

•TherecommendationofTopigsNorsvinistouseorganicorchelatedmineralsasrecommendedbythesuppliers.

Minerals unitsGestation lactation

Min Max Min Max

Na % 0.2 0.25 0.15 0.25

K % 1.1 1.1

Mg % 0.25 0.25

Fe ppm 100 100

I ppm 1.5 1.5

Se ppm 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.5

Cu ppm 150 15

Zn ppm 100 100

Mn ppm 40 40

Cl % 0.15 0.15

amino acids* Gestation lactation

Lysine 100 100

Methionine 28 30

Met+Cys 65 60

Tryptophan 20 19

Threonine 72 66

Valine 75 85

Isoleucine 65 60

Leucine 100 115

Histidine 30 42

Phenylalanine 60 60

Phenylalanine+Tyrosine 100 115

* Standardized digestible aa contents were calculated from the estimated standardized digestibility coefficients from InraPorc® (2009).

4.6.4 Temperature adjustments

Environment,andmorespecificallytemperaturecanbeusedtoexplainamajorityofthevariationassociated with differences in feed intake and performance of sows. The thermal neutral zone is the range of temperature in which the sows are comfortable and do not require additional or reduced energy intake to maintain body temperature. For gestating sows it is relatively easy to assess and maintain an environmental temperature range in which production levels are optimal. The thermal neutral zone for gestating and lactating sows is between 16-22 °C.

Heatstresscanhaveamajorimpactonsowperformance.Ifthetemperatureinthesowbarnsurpasses25 °C, this can lead to lower feed intake, reduced milk production, higher body weight losses, decreased weaning weights and poor reproductive performance. Below are a few tips to reduce heat stress during summer months.

Reducetheamountofinternalheatproducedbythediet•Fiberdigestionandtheproteindeaminationprocessgenerateconsiderablymoreheatcomparedtocarbohydrates.Thereforeconsiderreducingdietaryfiberlevelsby1-2%(dependingoninitialconcentration).Compensateforthereductionindietaryfiberbysupplementingitwithastronglaxative(usuallyintheformofasalt).Alsoconsiderreducingcrudeproteinlevelsbyabout2%withthe supplementation of industrial amino acids in order to maintain the same ratios of Lysine: AA’s.

4.6.3 amino acid recommendations

Table 24. Amino acid recommendations for the Topigs 20 sow

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Increasethenutrientdensityofthediet•Themainideaistoincreasethenutrientdensityofthelactationdietinrelationtotheexpected

reduction in feed intake. Increase the levels of the vitamins, minerals and trace minerals in relation to the drop in the expected feed intake. The drop in feed intake can easily be between 5 to 10 % during summer.

•Lactationdietshigherinfatarealmostinvariablyrecommendedforcombatingheatstress.Althoughitisagoodstrategytoincreasefatlevelsto5-6%,italsoposesapotentialrisk.Higherlevelsofdietary fat increases the chance for oxidation which can lead to rancid feed. This would even further decrease feed intake. Discuss with your feed company, what would be the best strategy to adminis-ter fat into the diets to increase the caloric density.

Increasefeedingfrequency•Increasethefeedingfrequencyanddecreaseportionsizetominimizemetabolicheatproduction.

Sows also drink more water under warm conditions, and excess feed in the troughs will spoil more easily if left in water for longer periods. Left over feed + water + heat = Reduced sow feed intake.

•Shiftfeedingstotheearlymorningsandlateafternoons.•Trytofeedatleastthreetofourtimesduringsummer.Alwaysstartwithacleartrough.•Trynottofeedmorethan2.5kgperfeeding.

Keepfreewaterlowinsummerdiets•FreewatercanbemeasuredindietsasthenutrientAW(AvailableWater).Therecommendedlevelshould be below 0.5.•Highamountsof‘freewater’indietscouldleadtohighermold/toxinlevelsandcouldalsoleadtoexcessiveevaporationinfeedtanks(whichcancauseblockagesinthefeedlines).

Feedadditivesforsummerdiets•Theconcentrationand/orinclusionofcertainadditivescannotbealteredduetocountry-specific

regulations. In the list below are listed additives that have demonstrated, in research, to reduce heat stress and increase feed intake in lactating sows. Discuss the possibilities and correct inclusion levels with your feed company.

•Thefollowingadditivesthatcouldbeusedduringsummertoincreaselactationperformance:• Chromium Propionate/Picolinate.• L- Carnitine.• Betain or Choline Cloride.•Sodiumbicarbonate(don’tforgettobalancetheelectrolytebalance).•Antioxidants(AlsoVitE.SeandVitC).•Liversupport(B-Vitcomplex,Niacin,CitricandFumaricacid).•MagnesiumOxide(aslaxative).

Water,waterandwater•Researchhasshownthatcooledwaterincreaseslactationfeedintakeduringthesummermonths.It

is recommended to evaluate the placement of the water tanks. Maybe an underground water tank that can pump water to the pens is a better option than water tanks that are fully exposed to sunlight.

•Watershouldalwaysbeavailableadlibitum.Waterqualityisalwaysimportant,butespeciallyduringsummer months when the sows will increase their water intake with 10-20%.

During the winter, cold stress can be both a nutritional and management issue. The temperature in the sow barn should match the sow’s thermal neutral zone. Cold temperatures increases the maintenance requirementsofthesows,anditisthereforerecommendedtoincreasethedietaryenergylevels(MJNE/day)duringthecoldseason.Dependingonthedensityofthediet,afivedegree(Celsius)dropintemperature, relative to the thermal neutral zone, increases the daily dietary needs of the sows with 0.15-0.20kg.Thistranslatesintoincreasingtheenergysupplytosowswith0.4-0.5MJ/NEperdegreewhen temperatures below 18°C are reached. Besides the higher amount of energy needed per sow per day, it is also recommended to adapt the sow diets during the cold season. The energy in the diet can be adjusted, so more energy comes from starch and less from oil/fat; which would all together influence fertility positively. Increasing the fermentable fiber content of the gestation diet, keeps the sows sated and can improve the feed intake during the upcoming lactation.

Table 25. Additional feed needed for changes in temperature

TeMPeRaTuRe

Room temperature additional feed MJ ne/day

>18° advice

16° + 1 MJ

14° + 2 MJ

12° + 3 MJ

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Visiting Address: Helvoirtseweg227,5263LTVught,TheNetherlands

Telephone: +31 411 64 88 70

Fax: +31 411 64 88 03

E-mail:[email protected]

www.topigsnorsvin.com

Documents

Manual Topigs 20 - topigsnorsvin.be · 4.6.2 Mineral and vitamin recommendation _____55 4.6.3 Amino acid recommendations _____ 57 4.6.4 Temperature adjustments _____57 Index. 4 5

Manual Topigs 20 - topigsnorsvin.be · 4.6.2 Mineral and vitamin recommendation ___55 4.6.3 Amino acid recommendations _ 57 4.6.4 Temperature adjustments ___57 Index. 4 5