There are three main types of sow feed: powdered feed, liquid feed, and pellets. Powdered feed can be further categorized into coarse powder (a simple mixture) and commercial fine powder. Liquid feed has gained popularity in European countries over the past decade as a way to reduce antibiotic use and improve sow welfare. With the sharp rise in corn prices in recent years, some farmers have become more aware of the cost differences between raw ingredients and compounded feeds. In certain cases, there has been a sudden surge in demand for blended materials, prompting feed mills to adapt to changing market conditions. However, the use of pellets remains a topic of debate. Many pig producers now face challenges related to the nutritional physiology and practical feeding of sows, which are being closely examined.
**1. Sows consume more powdered feed than pellets.**
This is because sows have well-developed teeth, a flexible tongue, and a large mouth. The sensory stimulation from the smell and taste of powdered feed leads to greater secretion of digestive juices compared to pellets. Salivary amylase also acts more efficiently on powders, enhancing their palatability. In the wild, sows eat a wide variety of foods, including roots, tubers, green plants, and seeds. Hard grains are not their first choice, as they require more chewing. Additionally, pigs have a tendency to eat quickly, and consuming large amounts of pellets at once can lead to serious consequences—unmasticated particles may remain in the digestive tract for long periods, and insufficient initial digestion can slow down gut motility. This is especially problematic during the perinatal period, when reduced appetite and constipation often occur.
**2. Powdered feed is fresher than pellets.**
It's well known that powdered feed is difficult to store. In northern regions, it should not be kept for more than 15 days in summer due to its high exposure to oxygen, making it prone to oxidation. Pellets, on the other hand, undergo extrusion, which reduces their surface area exposed to air, allowing them to be stored longer. From an on-site application perspective, powdered feed produced within three days is more beneficial for sows, as fewer processing steps mean better quality.
After production through processes like cooling, pressing, and packaging, are pellets truly the best option for sows? Several economic and practical factors need consideration:
(1) In summer, can the cooling system effectively cool newly produced feed?
(2) Is the granulation process capable of effective sterilization? While dry heat is generally more effective than moist heat, does the granulation process achieve this? Also, since pellets are often delivered in open containers, is there a risk of secondary contamination?
(3) Are thermosensitive ingredients like phytase, probiotics, and vitamins handled properly? Enzymes and microorganisms typically have less than 10% survival rate at high temperatures, so adding excessive amounts may be meaningless.
**3. Powdered feed is more adaptable than pellets.**
For finishing pigs, finer powders tend to increase digestibility, with 2.0–3.0 mm particles being most preferred, provided they don’t cause digestive ulcers. However, sows are different, especially those carrying 3 or more fetuses. Their feed must support lean muscle growth while also promoting gastrointestinal function to maximize their genetic potential for high litter rates. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for all stages of sow development.
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