Apparent fashions and cycles of system applications in sow feeding have left confusing messages for producers. What really needs considering now is the modern sow genotype and teaming this up with our latest knowledge in sow nutrition. The leaner sows and gilts nowadays generally have reduced appetite, and as such present more of a challenge from a nutritional viewpoint. Technology developments have also had an impact, like electronic sow feeders, which means that we can feed each sow as an individual on a pre-determined ‘feed curve’.