Effect of the backfat thickness of sows in late pregnancy on the composition of colostrum and milk

K Beyga,A Rekiel

doi:10.5194/aab-52-593-2009

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of the condition of the sows in high pregnancy, being expressed by fat reserves and body weight, and of lactation period on chemical composition and energy content as well as physical and cytological parameters of colostrum and milk of the sows. The studies were conducted with 100 sows (PLW × PL), classified into the groups according to backfat thickness: I – (P2 + P4)/2>20 mm and II – (P2 + P4)/2≤20 mm. The experiment was performed since 104th day of pregnancy till weaning of piglets after 21-day lactation. Fatness (points P2 and P4) and their changes during the periods: high pregnancy – parturition – weaning as well as physical and cytological parameters and colostrum and milk composition were examined. Domination of fatness in highly pregnant sows from group I vs. II was maintained during parturition and weaning (P≤0.001). Any effect of the sow condition on colostrum and milk quality was not found. In case of lower fat reserves in sows (group II vs. I) only lower fat content in colostrum and its lower energy content (by 16.3 % and 4.9 %, respectively), was found. For the majority of parameters no significant differences between the two groups were found. Only the bodyweight at weaning in group II, despite smaller number of piglets in the litter, was found to be significantly lower.

Highlights

Milk yield and quality traits of colostrum and milk are dependent on genotype, feeding, lactation stage, health state and number of fed young animals (COFFEY et al 1982, CSAPÓ et al 2001, MIGDAŁ et al 2003, REKIEL et al 2006)
Body weight of 3-week old piglets from groups I and II at weaning indicates the sufficient supply of energy and nutrients taken together with mother food and with solid feed (REKIEL 2002)
Immunological proteins and nutrients ensure high growth and development of piglets (KORHONEN et al 2000) what is confirmed by high correlation between the body weight of the litter on the 21st day of life and the quantity of the milk, produced by the sow (r=0.88 to 0.99) (WALKIEWICZ 1976, cit. after REKIEL 2000)

Summary

Introduction

Milk yield and quality traits of colostrum and milk (i.e. physical, cytological and chemical properties) are dependent on genotype, feeding, lactation stage, health state and number of fed young animals (COFFEY et al 1982, CSAPÓ et al 2001, MIGDAŁ et al 2003, REKIEL et al 2006). There is a lack of the studies, determining the quality of the discussed feed, depending on the accumulated fat and protein reserves in sow body. During the period preceding parturition, i.e. in high pregnancy, some sows lose part of early accumulated reserves what may be connected with somatic development and/or their utilization in growth and development of fetus as well as with the synthesis of components of colostrum and milk (REKIEL 2000, http://ohioline.osu.edu/b869/b869_42.html). The aim of the studies was to determine the effect of the highly pregnant sows’ condition, being expressed in fat reserves and lactation stage on the selected physical, cytological and chemical traits of colostrum and milk of the sows coming from crossbreds of maternal breeds The scale of requirements and priorities may be differentiated and dependent on degree of somatic maturity of female, its age, body weight, the possessed reserves and on the number of fetuses and born piglets, coverage of nutritional requirements, or environmental conditions (KÄMMERER et al 1998, WÄHNER et al 2001, CECHOVA and TVRDON 2006).

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