One method of increasing feed intake during lactation is not to overfeed sows during gestation. Research has shown that as the level of feed intake during gestation increases, the level of lactation feed intake decreases. Lactation rations should be fresh and palatable to promote feed intake. Pelleted rations have been shown to increase sow feed intake during lactation. It is also important that feeders are properly designed so as not to interfere with the sows ability to consume feed.
Water is an important nutrient that is sometimes overlooked when trying to maximize feed intake.
It is important that sows have access to abundant fresh water as inadequate amounts of drinking water will reduce sow feed intake. Lactating sows require considerable amounts of water to replace fluid loss from the 8 to 16 kg of milk secreted daily and the large volume of urine excreted. The type of waterer may affect feed consumption. University of Minnesota studies found daily feed consumption was about 0.3 kg more when lactating sows were provided with water via a drinking cup versus nipple drinkers. Lactation feed intake is influenced by the health status of the herd.