Sow condition as measured by ultrasound backfat measurements indicates that at weaning the sows average between 11 and 14 mm of backfat and enter the farrowing pens with an average backfat measurement between 14 and 16 mm. These measurements together with the outstanding reproductive performance of the sows indicates that the baleage supplemented, restricted grain feeding gestation program is meeting the nutritional needs of the sows during gestation. The farm had above average production values prior to the trial and continues to excel.

Despite the opportunity for aggression and competition for access to the baleage, little to no aggressive interactions are observed. You can watch a video of the sows here: Pig Joy.

There were approximately 70 sows to a pen with one 4 foot by 5 foot bale added to each pen every 2 to 3 days (once the previous bale has been fully consumed). The consistent resource seems to eliminate the need for aggressive interactions at any particular point in time. It also appears that full feeding of the baleage creates a sense of satiety in the sows decreasing any strong drive to eat at a specific time. This lingering sense of satiety, results in sows that are content to wait for their turn to access the baleage.

During the trial period, Liveborn pigs averaged between 16 and 17 pigs per sow, weaning numbers averaged between 12. 5 and 13.5 pigs/sow weaned, and farrowing rate was above 92% for all groups. These are well above industry averages.

The total savings resulting from feeding a lower protein diet fed at 80% of the normal amount was approximately $20/sow/year. The first hayfield that he turned back into grain production yielded 200 bushels of corn per acre with little weed pressure. Marcel has had nearly 2 full years feeding the baleage. He is confident it is better for his sows and his operation and continues to feed the baleage in addition to the full recommended amount of their gestation diet. The overall estimated cost of providing the additional baleage as a resource is $100/sow.

The farm utilized in this study had been farming organically for over 25 years. The producer had observed that organic producers who fed ruminants and thus routinely had hay and/or pasture in their rotations had less weed pressure than organic fields that continuously seeded row crops without hay or pasture in the rotation. The producer’s original plan was to plant a field into hay for one year, take four cuts from the field, sell all four cuttings, and return the field to row crop production. His purpose was to observe whether this practice would produce any visible improvement in weed control. After seeing how well the sows responded to the feeding of a single bale, the producer decided to feed the baleage as a standard practice and cut back slightly on the grain diet to offset the costs.