Utilization of high fibre feeds and cereals by sows,a review

The utilization of high fibre feeds by sows has mainly been investigated during pregnancy, when energy requirements are relatively low. Digestion coefficients for dry matter, cell wall constituents, energy and protein are decreased when high fibre feeds are added to control diets. The digestible energy content of high fibre feeds seems to be higher for sows than for growing pigs, while no difference is found between the sows and growing pigs for less fibrous feeds like cereals. However, there are few experiments in which metabolic and net utilization of energy of bulky feeds have been measured.The introduction of high levels of fibrous feeds like alfalfa hay or meal, ground straw or wheat shorts in the gestation diet reduces the energy intake of sows. The weight gain of the dam during pregnancy and sometimes the birthweight of the piglets are, therefore, reduced. No effect on fertility or prolificacy can be attributed to the energy or crude fibre content of these feedstuffs. High levels of fibrous feeds should be avoided in the lactation diet because of the detrimental effects on sow weight change and on growth and viability of piglets.