Effects of intelligent feeders and heat lamps on the production performance of lactating sows and the development of piglets

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of intelligent feeders and heat lamps on the production performance of lactating sows and the development of piglets, providing a practical basis for the application of intelligent breeding equipment in lactating sow production.

Method A total of 120 lactating sows were randomly divided into three groups: experimental group A (n=60) using intelligent feeders, control group B1 (n=30) using semi-automated wet feeding, and control group B2 (n=30) using semi-automated dry feeding. Furthermore, experimental group A was subdivided into subgroup A1 using intelligent heat lamps and subgroup A2 using traditional heat lamps for a comparative trial.

Result Intelligent feeding increased the sows’ feed intake, backfat thickness stability, and weaning-to-estrus rate, and increased the weaning weight of the piglets. The intelligent heat lamps increased piglet survival rate by 1.59%, increased piglet huddling rate by 5.8%–6.1%, and reduced energy consumption by 31.22%.

Conclusion Intelligent breeding equipment can effectively optimize sow reproductive performance, improve the piglet growth environment, and reduce production costs, offering a feasible pathway to promote the intelligent transformation of the livestock industry.