Nutrition of Sows and Boars

Book excerpt: This book aims to provide information to allow the development of appropriate feeding strategies for sows and boars. In addition to basic scientific knowledge, practical guidelines and indices of reproduction are given, commensurate with good performance, health and welfare. This comprehensive work will be an invaluable source of reference for students, research scientists, veterinarians and all those engaged in practical pig production. The central role of nutrition in the reproduction of farm animals has long been recognised. In the last two decades there have been considerable advances in our knowledge of sow and boar nutrition which has allowed the development of effective feeding strategies. Such progress will continue in order to meet the demands of ever-increasing product targets. Contents Preface Introduction The pre-breeding gilt Energy: responses and requirements Protein and amino acids Minerals Vitamins Water provision Appetite Diets