Effects of increasing feeding level during late gestation on sow and litter performance (2009)

N W Shelton,Robert D Goodband,Steven S Dritz,Michael D Tokach,C R Neill,Jim L Nelssen,Joel M Derouchey

doi:10.4148/2378-5977.6780

Abstract

A total of 108 gilts and sows (PIC 1050) and their litters were used over 2 gestation and lactation periods to determine the effect of increasing late gestation feeding level on sow and litter performance. Treatments were structured as a 2 × 2 factorial design with main effects of feeding level (0 or 2 lb of extra feed from d 90 to farrowing) and parity group (gilts or sows). The trial was conducted for 2 successive parities, with gilts and sows remaining on the same treatment for both parities.

Highlights

Implementing efficient feeding strategies for gestating sows is an important management practice needed for production of offspring as well as maintenance of sow health and longevity
There were late gestation feeding level × parity interactions observed (P < 0.04) for ADFI and total feed intake for the overall lactation period. This was due to gilts having decreased lactation ADFI when fed extra feed in late gestation, but when sows were fed extra feed, lactation ADFI increased
Treatments were structured as a 2 × 2 factorial design with main effects of feeding level (0 or 2 lb of additional feed from d 90 to farrowing) and parity group

Summary

Introduction

Implementing efficient feeding strategies for gestating sows is an important management practice needed for production of offspring as well as maintenance of sow health and longevity. It is important to mange sow feeding levels to meet the needs of animals without incurring unnecessary cost. Researchers from Kansas State University (K-State) have developed strategies for managing sow feeding levels based on individual sow weight and backfat thickness (Young et al, 20034). Research has shown that increasing nutrients during late gestation can increase piglet birth weight and thereby increase weaning weight. Other research trials have indicated little benefit to increasing feed intake in late gestation. The objective of this trial was to observe the effects of increasing late gestating feeding levels on sow and litter performance over 2 lactation periods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion