Precision Feeding in Lactating Sows Improves Growth Performance and Carcass Quality of Their Progeny

Abstract

The use of electronic sow feeders (ESFs) during lactation has been associated with weaning of heavier piglets when compared to traditional feeders, with a lower amount of sow feed per kg of weaned piglet, improved welfare of the sow, and no negative effects on body condition or metabolic traits at weaning or subsequent reproductive yields. However, there have been no studies assessing the possible effects of ESF use on the lifelong development of the progeny. This study reveals that piglets weaned from sows fed with ESFs were heavier than those from sows fed with traditional feeders (5.91 ± 1.45 vs. 5.58 ± 1.23 kg, p < 0.005), with a lower amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet (2.41 ± 0.42 vs. 1.88 ± 0.28 kg, p < 0.0005). Subsequent differences in body weight increased due to a higher average daily weight gain during both the periods of nursery (0.332 ± 0.92 vs. 0.312 ± 0.80 kg/day, p < 0.01) and growing–finishing (0.921 ± 0.11 vs. 0.871 ± 0.09 kg/day, p < 0.001). Finally, the weights of the carcasses and primal pork pieces (ham, shoulder, loin, and belly) were also higher in pigs from sows fed with ESFs (p < 0.001 for all).