Lactation in sows is an extremely demanding period that can have a significant impact on their body fat reserves. During lactation, sows use large amounts of energy for milk production, often resulting in the mobilization of body fat reserves to meet these energy demands. This process can lead to a loss of body condition, negatively affecting their health and reproductive capacity in future cycles.
One of the recommendations to address this problem is to implement strategies that encourage feed intake and, therefore, improve the energy balance of dams.
In addition to providing a high-energy formulation, supporting an increase in feeding frequency and taking care of the environment, it is certainly recommended to improve the palatability of the feed through the addition of flavours, sweeteners and palatants that improve the smell and taste of the feed, making it more attractive and achieving an increased feed intake. This will help the sow to maintain the body fat stores during lactation, ensuring her health, energy balance and reproductive efficiency in the following cycles.
