WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Category Gilts (pre- and first gestation) Young sows (parity 1–2) Older sows (≥ parity 3) Physiological status Still growing; imma- ture body reserves Limited growth; recovering from first lactation Fully mature; no structural growth Typical body weight 140–170 kg at first insemination ~100 kg lighter than older sows Heaviest body weight in the herd Feed intake capacity Lower voluntary intake Moderate intake Highest intake ca- pacity Key nutritional priorities Support growth, reproduction, and fat deposition Support recovery, pregnancy, and preparation for high milk yield Maintain body con- dition and support foetal growth Sensitivity to underfeeding Very high (growth and fertility compro- mised) High (risk of exces- sive weight loss) Moderate (main- tenance becomes limiting) Step-up feeding focus Early and late ges- tation Early recovery and late gestation Mainly late gestation Step-down feeding focus Limited use Mid-gestation, once recovery is achieved Mid-gestation main- tenance feeding Table 1: Summary of physiological characteristics and feeding priorities for gilts, young sows, and older sows. To learn about the nutritional and management implications for gilts and sows, contact your local De Heus technical advisor for more information – https:// www.deheus.co.za/ meet-our-team/. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com