Experimental Study on the Effects of a Novel Intelligent Wet Feed System on Sow Feeding Behavior, Backfat Thickness, and Piglet Growth

A novel intelligent wet feed system was designed to accurately match the dynamic nutritional requirements of lactating sows. An experimental study was conducted to compare the performance of this novel feeding system with the traditional manual feeding method. Twenty-two first-parity sows selected through screening were randomly divided into intelligent feeding and manual feeding groups. Feed intake and backfat thickness changes during lactation were monitored, and the growth performance of 30 piglets was assessed. The effects of feeding methods on feed intake, backfat thickness, and piglet growth were evaluated. Results showed that the intelligent group increased the feed intake under high feeding conditions, with feed conversion efficiency improved by 21.8%. A backfat conservation effect was observed, with backfat loss reduced by 82.5% and the daily loss rate being only 16.6% of that in the manual group. Piglet growth performance was improved, with the peak growth rate increased by 14.2% and the growth inflection point brought forward by 10.6%, both reaching medium to large effect sizes. The results indicate that the intelligent wet feeding system improved feed conversion efficiency in sows under high feeding conditions, reduced backfat loss, and enhanced piglet growth rates. These findings provide references for the application of intelligent feeding technology and offer technical pathways for intelligent and efficient pig farming.