Effects of Precision Feeding on Economic and Productive Yields of Hyperprolific Lactating Sows Allocated at Different Farrowing Pens

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the electronic feeding systems used in different types of farrowing pens on the productive and economic yields of lactating hyperprolific sows under commercial farm conditions. The results indicate a remarkable decrease in feed wastage and, there...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Aparicio-Arnay, María, Yeste, Natalia|||0000-0003-2471-2064, Soria, Nerea, Cambra, Jorge, Isabel, Beatriz|||0000-0001-6593-9500, Piñeiro, Carlos, Gonzalez-Bulnes, Antonio|||0000-0002-0917-4475
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:320993
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/320993
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.3390/ani15050763
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Farrowing pen
Lactation
Nutrition
Precision feeding
Swine
Descripción
Sumario:The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the electronic feeding systems used in different types of farrowing pens on the productive and economic yields of lactating hyperprolific sows under commercial farm conditions. The results indicate a remarkable decrease in feed wastage and, therefore, an improvement in the economic and environmental sustainability of production. The results obtained using precision feeding in maternities (electronic sow feeders, ESFs) may be affected by the type of farrowing pen, as the design of the pen may modify the behavior of the sows. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects and possible interactions of electronic feeding systems in different types of farrowing pens (traditional, socialization and loose housing pens) on the productive and economic yields of lactating hyperprolific sows under commercial farm conditions. The results showed an overall lower feed disappearance in sows fed with ESFs and, consequently, a lower amount of feed per weaned piglet and per kg of weaned piglet, with evidence of improved welfare and no negative effects on body weight, condition at weaning or reproductive yields in the following cycle. These effects were, however, modulated by the type of pen and the type of bawl feeder; this finding highlights the need for improvement in the design of facilities and especially feeders to allow the sow a better use of available feed.