Abstract
Simple SummaryA strong belief characterizes the choice of the feeding curve used during the transition sow period from gestation to lactation. Stepped feeding schedules are normally applied in this period, but ad libitum fed sows may have better post-partum performance. An ad libitum feeding strategy of sows from day −5 to +5 of lactation evidenced greater voluntary feed intake than the stepped schedule from two days before to five days post-farrowing. However, ad libitum feeding during the peri-partum did not show any clear advantage on the piglet survival at farrowing or post-partum reproductive recovery of sows. This study hypothesized that the ad libitum feeding of sows during the peri-partum may increase the neonatal survival of the piglets and the post-partum recovery of the sow. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of two peri-partum feeding strategies (ad libitum and stepped from day 110 of gestation to day 5 post-partum) on the feed intake, the reproductive performance of sows, as well as the survival of their piglets. A total of 90 Landrace x Large-White dams sired by Duroc were used. The sows were randomly assigned to feeding treatments by balancing body condition and parity between groups. The feed intake of the sows in the peri-partum was lower in the stepped than in the ad libitum strategy. The increase of the feeding level in the ad libitum sows was not counterbalanced by higher number of weaned piglets or shorter weaned to oestrus interval.
Highlights
The peri-partum feeding strategy may affect subsequent piglet survival and sow performance, but there is no general agreement for the best practice
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of ad libitum feeding during the peri-partum on sow feed intake and reproductive performance
The main finding was that actual sow feed intake during the days around farrowing doubled the scheduled feeding curve supplied, no differences were observed in the litter survival or the subsequent sow reproductive performance
Summary
The peri-partum feeding strategy may affect subsequent piglet survival and sow performance, but there is no general agreement for the best practice. Colostrum production increases during the last week of gestation [2], and subsequent milk yield depends on genetics potential and on feed intake [3]. Restricted feeding during the peri-partum may reduce the overall feed intake during the lactaction period [6] and may increase the weaning to oestrus interval [7]. In this trade-off, a negative energy balance during the last days of pregnancy may improve the milk yield during the first week of lactation [8]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ad libitum feeding during the peri-partum on sow feed intake and reproductive performance
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