Effect of an Antibiotic (Tylosin) and Protein Source on Swine Reproduction

Abstract

Thirty-two sows and 32 gilts were fed individually one of four diets in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment through three successive reproductive cycles comparing an antibiotic (tylosin phosphate) with no antibiotic, and soybean meal supplemental protein with meat meal supplemental protein. The average pig gain from birth to weaning was greater (P<.01) for pigs that nursed sows fed the soybean meal source of supplemental protein than for those fed the meat meal source of protein. Sows fed the plant protein gained more than those fed the animal protein in the first trial. No treatment differences due to protein source were observed on the number of pigs farrowed alive, birth weight of live pigs or number of pigs weaned. The sows fed tylosin phosphate (220 mg./kg.) for 1 week prior to and 3 weeks following the start of mating and during lactation weaned a greater (P<.10) number of pigs than did sows receiving no antibiotic. No significant effects due to antibiotic treatments were observed on the number of pigs farrowed alive, the average birth weight of live pigs, average pig gain from birth to weaning or average sow weight change from 1 week before mating to weaning.