Anyone could consider sow feeding management during lactation as anything but a new topic. It
is however still evident, from current field experience and observation, that there are numerous
approaches to managing this part of the breeding herd. Eight years ago, the late Dr Frank Aherne
(2001) stated the following: ‘In an age of interplanetary travel, how can we still be arguing
about how to feed the lactating sow? If we can crack the animal’s genetic code, why can’t we
understand the interrelationship between feed intake and lactating sow performance? But
perhaps we do understand these relationships but we are unable to translate the science into
good farm practice. Perhaps we too often try to apply general rules or guidelines to fit very
individualistic situations, be these genotype, farm or individual animal? Each individual
lactating sow is different and applying general rules to individual animals will generally be less
than satisfactory. But as farm size increases it may become more difficult to treat each sow as an
individual. So what can we compromise and what aspect of sow management must stay sow
specific?’ This paper will try to describe today’s context and challenges for lactation, identify the
main factors affecting lactation feed intake and management strategies contributing to improved
performance. Finally, examples of the benefits of proper feed intake management of nursing
sows will be presented in support of the suggested management practices.