Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of dietary Ca and P levels in the gestation and lactation diets of high producing sows on Ca and P balance, productivity, bone turnover, and bone development in piglets. The objective of the first study was to determine if the recommended levels of dietary Ca and P are adequate for sows housed in groups that have potential for increased mobility. The second study was conducted to determine the influence of Ca and P intake by young, gestating sows on the growth and skeletal development of their developing piglets and if smaller birth-weight piglets are at greater risk from mineral insufficiencies during gestation.
Results shows that the recommended level of dietary Ca and P as prescribed by NRC 2012 is adequate for high-producing sows of modern genetics, whether housed in stalls or groups. The current recommended levels of dietary Ca and P for gestating sows are adequate for fetal skeletal development. Group housing does not negatively affect the sow reproductive performance and in fact, may be advantageous, when using a non-competitive feeding system.
Impact of dietary calcium and Phosphorus on sow reproduction and bone development of piglets (full article)
