Excessive energy intake during gestation results in three major problems. The success of a limit-feeding program depends upon controlling the intake of each gilt or sow. Care must be taken to see that each female gets her share. Individual sow feeding stalls are an effective device for controlling boss sows. If sows are group fed, it is imperative that the feed be spread across a large area to reduce the amount of fighting and to ensure that all animals consume their feed allotment.
Interval feeding during gestation is a possible alternative to limit-feeding.
Interval feeding is accomplished by feeding the sows every other or every third day. Of course, the amount fed is adjusted accordingly. With interval feeding, it is necessary to have sufficient feeder space. Research results have shown that a minimum of 2 to 6 hours out of every 72 hours is an adequate feeding time. Interval feeding is not recommended for gilts or during the last two weeks before farrowing.