Unlocking the full potential of high-prolific sows

Modern high‑prolific sows are the elite athletes of today’s pig industry. They are the result of decades of genetic selection, producing large litters of 14 to 16 piglets, and sometimes even more. While this genetic progress has strongly boosted sow farm productivity, the limiting factor today is no longer genetics but the sow’s metabolic capacity. 
During late gestation and lactation, metabolic demands are extremely high, and feed intake often falls short, leading to a negative energy balance and consequently, mobilization of body reserves. This catabolic state seriously compromises reproductive performance and sow longevity. It can also impair colostrum quality and milk yield, directly affecting piglet survival and growth. 
At the same time, these large litters increase the number of lightweight, more vulnerable piglets, intensifying competition for colostrum and increasing pre‑weaning mortality. 

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