With sow productivity increasing by 0.3 piglets reared per sow, per year as seen over the last 10 years, a new range of pig breeder feeds has been developed to meet the heightened nutrient demands of the hyperprolific sow.

Delta Nutrio from ABN claims to be a game changer for the pig breeding industry, responding to increased sow prolificacy and the resulting demand placed on the animal, particularly in terms of vitality and well-being.

Due to the increased nutrient requirements during the reproductive cycle, hyperprolific sows can suffer from loss of body condition leading to a delayed weaned to oestrus interval, and a reduction in the size of the next litter.

A greater variation of piglet birth weight, synonymous with increased litter sizes, also leads to low birth-weight piglets with a lower chance of survival.

ABN said its Delta Nutrio range provides optimum nutrient supply for all levels of sow productivity and includes improved mineral and vitamin nutrition for increased sow lifetime performance.

Dr Steve Jagger, senior pig nutritionist at ABN, said: “The producer benefits from well maintained sows in good condition, a reduced weaned to service interval and enhanced embryo quality, whilst also supporting improved litter size, with better piglet survival.”

Chelated minerals included in the Delta Nutrio range increase mineral bioavailability, leading to improved hoof, bone and cartilage integrity. A highly available source of vitamin D₃ has been incorporated across the full Delta Nutrio range, supporting bone health and strength as well as the immune function.

Tegan Sutton, ABN pig nutritionist and Delta Nutrio project leader, added: “Optimising these parameters leads to increased sow productivity and reduced culling rates, thus resulting in improved longevity.”