The role of dietary fiber in sow nutrition has evolved beyond bulk and gut fill to include measurable benefits on satiety, gut health, energy balance, and sow longevity. European systems have long embraced fiber as a tool to manage sow behavior and welfare under restrictive feeding programs. In the U.S., recent research has begun to demonstrate how targeted fiber inclusion can improve sow retention, reduce farrowing complications, support colostrum production, and enhance performance across parities. However, widespread adoption of fiber strategies in U.S. systems remains limited due to variability in ingredient composition, lack of analytical tools, and commercial formulation constraints. Fiber – The Next Frontier collaboration between the University of Missouri and Iowa State University was formed to address these challenges. The goal of this partnership is to provide practical, research-supported guidance for fiber use across gilt development, gestation, and the transition period. This document summarizes key findings from recent research effort and offers a framework for considering functional fiber in formulation. Conclusion: Dietary fiber is a valuable tool for improving sow productivity, welfare, and longevity when strategically implemented across reproductive stages. Research presented in this document demonstrates that specific fiber sources can reduce constipation, lower stillbirth rates, support energy balance during farrowing, and improve sow retention. These benefits depend on fiber composition and functional properties, emphasizing the need for precise characterization beyond crude fiber or NDF values. Adopting fiber-based strategies in U.S. systems requires bridging the gap between controlled research and commercial application.

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Petry, A., D. Rosero, G. Lima, S. Levia and R. Self. 2025. Translating Fiber Nutrition into Practical Strategies for U.S. Sow Diets. Proceedings of the 2025 Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference, pp. 11-18