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Changes of mineral nutrition in high-yielding sows
The focus of many conference discussions often centers on energy and protein, while minerals are frequently overlooked. However, their role is crucial, especially as pig breeding shifts toward lean meat production. This shift leads to pigs with larger bones but more fragile structures, which directly impacts their performance in production. Over the past 20 years, the number of sows in American farms has increased from 8 to 20, and this trend is expected to continue. Some sows now have litters of up to 14 piglets, and milk production during lactation averages around 9 kg per day. As a result, nutritional demands have significantly changed.
One major issue in pig farming today is the high elimination rate of sows, currently between 30% and 40%. A large part of this problem is linked to inadequate nutrition. Let’s explore some key points about mineral requirements for pigs:
First, research on gilt mineral needs shows that high-lean pork contains less calcium than normal pigs. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio differs between low- and high-lean pigs, as calcium is primarily stored in bones rather than muscle. Therefore, the calcium content in meat is relatively low, but it remains stable in bones. However, genetic factors can also influence this balance.
For sows, calcium demand is particularly critical. If not met, it can lead to early culling. Additionally, calcium distribution varies across different parts of the muscle, with higher levels found in the hind leg compared to the loin area. High-lean pigs require more trace elements overall, but higher intake doesn’t necessarily mean more deposition in meat.
Another important point is that calcium deposition occurs later, even though bone development starts earlier. This means that although these pigs have large bones, they are thinner and more prone to fractures. For sows, this makes it essential to avoid early farrowing, as it increases the risk of being culled.
Moving on to pregnant sows, mineral deposition in the fetus mainly happens between day 105 and 114 of gestation, with calcium increasing faster than phosphorus. Hoof condition is a good indicator of mineral deficiency. Healthy hooves should have the toes off the ground at a 65-degree angle. If the auxiliary toes touch the ground and the angle is smaller, it suggests a calcium deficiency, and adjustments in feed mineral content may be necessary.
Many companies use high-dose vitamin D injections as a short-term solution, but this can accelerate sow elimination. Instead, a balanced approach with various vitamins and minerals is more effective. Iron is another important factor—previous beliefs suggested sows couldn’t transfer enough iron to piglets, but the real issue is insufficient dietary iron.
There's also a critical "window period" for adding minerals to pregnant sows, and understanding this timing is vital. Different minerals have different optimal periods for supplementation.
During lactation, the mineral needs of sows increase rapidly. For example, a sow nursing 11 piglets will see her daily calcium requirement jump by 85g after just 10 days. Other minerals also see significant increases. After the third litter, the sow’s mineral levels drop dramatically, and all nutrients are greatly reduced.
Sows can only absorb minerals through their diet, so the form and quantity matter. Inorganic minerals like sulfates have lower digestibility, while organic forms are more beneficial. Fat doesn’t affect piglet birth weight, but sows experience rapid fat loss after pregnancy and lactation, starting 20 days before farrowing.
Finally, trace elements such as chromium and selenium play key roles. Chromium helps improve ovulation and weaning intervals, while selenium is passed from sow to piglet through milk. Organic selenium is absorbed like amino acids and supports better reproduction and milk production. Unlike inorganic forms, organic selenium maintains stable levels in milk across multiple litters.
High-yielding sows metabolize faster and produce more peroxides, which can damage cells if not managed. This is one reason why they are more prone to sudden death. Proper mineral management is therefore essential to ensure both sow longevity and piglet health.