Relevance of roughage feeding to pigs

Roughage feeding in sows reduces energy needs by up to 50% in early gestation and 20% in late gestation. Clover grass and maize silage, at 2–4 kg fresh matter daily, can replace concentrated feed, with maize silage up to 1 kg per day. Grass silage can meet up to 85% of feed requirements for pregnant sows. Silage feeding prevents diarrhoea in suckling and weaned piglets. Part of the OK-Net Ecofeed project promoting sustainable organic pig farming.