Effect of dietary energy intake during pregnancy on liveweight gain and backfat gain of primiparous sows kept in an outdoor system under tropical conditions

Abstract

Energy requirements for maintenance in pregnant sows increase when they are kept outdoors under temperate climates in comparison to indoors. However, there is little information on the energy requirements of breeding sows kept outdoors in tropical environments. Knowledge about the correct feeding management for pregnant sows kept outdoors will optimise the utilisation of feeding resources available in the tropics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of energy level supply during pregnancy on backfat change and liveweight change of primiparous sows kept outdoors under tropical conditions.