Sow Body Weight Research Articles

Effects of attapulgite dietary supplementation on sow performance in two commercial farms in Greece

The present study investigated the effects of attapulgite supplementation in sow diets during gestation and lactation on sow performance. The study comprised two reproductive phases (cycles) in two commercial farrow to finish farms: Farm A (capacity: 550 sows) and Farm B (capacity: 220 sows). The treatment groups were: a) control group (CN): the sows were fed a common gestation or lactation diet; b) attapulgite group (AT): the sows were fed the CN diet supplemented with attapulgite at 0,7% level; c) attapulgite plus group (AT+): the sows were fed the CN diet supplemented with attapulgite (0.7%) and a mix of enzymes, live yeast and amino acids (0.1%), at a total of 0.8% level. Within each cycle the sows included per treatment were: 24 for Farm A; 12 for Farm B. Initially data were analyzed per cycle and per each farm. Data from sows that completed both cycles within each farm, were analyzed by repeated measures analysis. Regarding sow parameters, sow body weight loss during lactation tended to be greater in AT sows compared to CN sows during cycle 1 in Farm B and was greater in AT and AT+ than CN sows in Farm A that completed both cycles (P=0.063 and P=0.023, respectively). A greater litter size 24h postpartum was observed in favour of AT compared to CN group during cycle 1 in Farm A and in sows that completed both cycles in Farm A (P=0.001 and P= 0.011, respectively). Litter size at weaning was greater in sows from the AT group than CN during cycle 1 and 2 in Farm A, in cycle 1 in Farm B and in sows that completed both cycles in Farm A (P=0.004, P=0.037, P=0.037, and P=0.022, respectively). Piglet weight at weaning and average daily gain during lactation were greater in AT group than CN and AT+ in sows that completed both cycles in Farm A (P=0.049 and P=0.040 respectively). Notable similar effects, although not statistically significant, were also observed in Farm B. This field study suggests that attapulgite supplementation in sow diets can improve performance indexes. Further research should investigate the underlying mechanisms involved.

Morphological and reproductive traits of Turopolje breeding sows: a preliminary evaluation.

The Turopolje pig (TP) is an endangered Croatian autochthonous breed. This preliminary study aimed to determine the morphological and reproductive traits of TP breeding sows reared extensively in a traditional outdoor system. Body measurements were performed on a total of 40 sows, while reproductive data for 34 (out of 40) sows were collected from the available records in the TP breed Herdbook. The mean (±standard deviation) age and body weight of sows were 67.5±26.0 months and 96.6±18.4 kg, respectively. The mean height at withers and rumps were 65.2±2.8 cm and 68.4±2.9 cm, respectively, while the average chest girth was 111.2±10.4 cm. Average lengths of the body, head, ear and tail were 126.0±6.5 cm, 27.0±0.90 cm, 22.5±8.3 cm and 29.9±2.01 cm, respectively. The mean age at first farrowing was 23.3±5.7 months. The average number of piglets born alive was 4.47±1.96, of which 3.08±2.17 were weaned. It is concluded that the analysed population of TP breeding sows showed a typical morphology, with smaller body frame compared to modern breeds and generally low prolificacy. However, a high variability of reproductive traits indicates that improvements are possible, primarily through better management of sows.

Increased dietary protein levels during lactation improved sow and litter performance

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of increasing balanced dietary protein for hyper-prolific lactating sows. In total 544 sows (parity 1–4) was allotted to one of six diets from day 2 post-partum until weaning. The diets were analyzed to have a standardized ileal digestible (SID) crude protein (CP) level of 104.3, 113.3, 120.9, 128.5, 139.2 or 150.0g/kg. At d 2 post-partum litters were standardized to 14 piglets and body weight (BW), back fat (BF) thickness of sows and litter weight were recorded. Body weight, BF thickness and litter weight was also recorded at weaning. On a subsample of 70 sows (parity 2 and 3) milk samples were obtained at day 3, 10 and 17 post-partum and analyzed for fat, CP and lactose. In the analysis of the dose-response data the dietary SID CP concentration were used as explanatory variable. The abovementioned response variables were fitted with linear broken-line, quadratic broken-line and linear regression models. Sow BW and BF loss reached a break point at 143g SID CP/kg and 127g SID CP/kg, where sows lost 0.58kg/d and 3mm, respectively (P<0.001). Multiparous sows had a higher average daily gain of the litter than first parity sows (3.07 vs. 2.53kg/d) at the break point at 135g SID CP/kg (P<0.001), but litter size (13.0±1.2 piglets) at weaning was unaffected by dietary treatment (P=0.30). Milk CP increased to 5.0g/100mL until a breakpoint at 136g SID CP/kg, milk lactose decreased until a breakpoint at 120g SID CP/kg to 5.3g/100mL (P<0.001) and milk fat increased linearly (P<0.05). The daily output of milk protein was increased at day 17 until a breakpoint at 130g SID CP/kg (663–670g/d; P<0.001). The content of milk fat increased linearly with increasing dietary SID CP (P<0.05). There was a tendency towards an increased number of total born piglets in next litter with increased dietary SID CP (P=0.06), whereas the weaning-to-estrus interval was unaffected by treatment (P=0.83). In conclusion, increasing dietary SID CP up till 135g/kg or 850g SID CP/d increased ADG of the litter, and this increase was caused by increased milk yield and increased daily protein output in milk.

715 Effect of leucine supplementation to a reduced crude protein diet on nitrogen utilization in lactating sows

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that partial substitution of dietary CP with crystalline amino acids (CAA) increases nitrogen (N) utilization and milk production, and with CAA in combination with Leu decreases N utilization and milk production. Lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows (36) were used in the experiment and were assigned to 1 of 3 diets: 19.60% CP (CON); 14.22% CP (OPT); 14.56% CP (OPT+LEU). Sow body weight (BW) and backfat were measured on d 1 and 21 of lactation while piglet BW was measured on d 1, 4, 7, 14, 17 and 21 of lactation. Nitrogen balance was measured on sows between d 4 and 7 (early) and d 14 and 17 (peak) of lactation. Overall mean of sow BW change (– 4.5 ± 4.47 kg), backfat change (– 2.2 ± 0.79 mm), average daily intake (5.36 ± 0.19 kg), and litter growth rate (2.5 ± 0.13 kg/d) did not differ across diets over the 21-d lactation period. Nitrogen intake decreased as dietary CP concentration decreased (149.5, 112.0, and 104.9 ± 3.29 g/d; 206.3, 156.6, and 152.9 ± 5.29 g/d for CON, OPT and OPT+LEU, in early and peak lactation, respectively; P < 0.01). In early lactation, maternal N retention (NRm) (N intake – fecal and urinary N) did not differ between diets (overall mean: 84.5 ± 4.04 g/d) and total N retention (NRt) (N intake – fecal and urinary N – milk N) differed (P < 0.05) across diets (32.9, 20.7, and 17.0 ± 3.57 g/d). In early lactation, as dietary CP decreased, NRt as percentage of N intake (61.0%, 74.6%, and 73.0% ± 0.02%) or percentage of N absorbed (N intake – fecal N) (69.3%, 84.8%, and 82.7%) increased (P < 0.01). In peak lactation, NRt (65.0, 14.4, and 29.3 g/d) and NRm (147.0, 116.7, and 125.2 ± 5.27 g/d) differed across diets (P < 0.01). As percentage of N intake, NRm (71.0%, 74.5%, and 82.0% ± 0.02%) or of N absorbed (80.7%, 84.6%, and 93.2% ± 0.03%) differed across diets (P < 0.05). Feeding lactating diets reduced in CP from 19.6 to 14.2% with CAA inclusion as partial replacement for limiting AA, with or without Leu, improved N utilization efficiency.

Effects of dietary energy levels and β-mannanase supplementation in a high mannan-based diet during lactation on reproductive performance, apparent total tract digestibility and milk composition in multiparous sows

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase and energy level on reproductive performance of multiparous sows during lactation. In Exp. 1, 30 multiparous sows were randomly allotted to three treatments (0400 and 800 units β-mannanase). In Exp. 2, 60 multiparous sows were fed diets containing 3250 or 3350 kcal ME/kg diet and 0 or 400 units of β-mannanase in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. A linear reduction in sow body weight (BW) loss during lactation was observed with increasing levels of β-mannanase. The BW change during lactation was significantly lower in sows fed high-energy diets or dietary β-mannanase. β-mannanase supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, gross energy and mannose. Diets supplemented with β-mannanase or high-energy diet increased milk fat level. Furthermore, high-energy diet increased lactose level in milk. Collectively, our data indicate that dietary inclusion of β-mannanase has the potential to improve digestibility of nutrients and reduce sow BW loss during lactation.

Effects of dietary energy levels on physiological parameters and reproductive performance of gestating sows over three consecutive parities.

ObjectiveThis experiment was to evaluate the effects of the dietary energy levels on the physiological parameters and reproductive performance during gestation over three parities in sows.MethodsA total of 52 F1 gilts (Yorkshire×Landrace) were allotted to one of four dietary treatments using a completely randomized design. The treatments contained 3,100, 3,200, 3,300, or 3,400 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg diet but feed was provided at 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 kg/d in the first, second and third parity, respectively.ResultsThe body weight and body weight gain during gestation increased as the dietary energy level increased (p<0.05, and p<0.01) in the first parity. In the second parity, the body weight of sows was the lowest (p<0.05) when 3,100 kcal of ME/kg treatment diet was provided. The body weight was higher as the dietary energy level increased (p<0.05) during the gestation period in the third parity. During lactation, the voluntary feed intake of lactating sows tended to decrease when gilts were fed higher energy treatment diet (p = 0.08) and the body weight, body weight gain were increased by dietary energy level during gestation (p< 0.05). Backfat thickness was not affected by dietary treatment during the gestation period in three parities, interestingly backfat change from breeding to d 110 of gestation was higher as the dietary energy level increased at the first parity (p<0.05). When gilts were fed 3,400 kcal of ME/kg treatment diet a higher number of weaning piglets was observed in the first parity (p<0.05). The highest culling rate (69%) was seen when gestating sows were fed 3,100 kcal/kg ME treatment diet during three parities.ConclusionIn conclusion, the adequate energy intake of gestating sows should be 6,400 or 6,600 kcal of ME/d, 7,040 or 7,260 kcal of ME/d, and 7,680 or 7,920 kcal of ME/d for parity 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Comparing gestating sows housing between electronic sow feeding system and a conventional stall over three consecutive parities

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of gestating sows housed in groups with electronic sow feeding (ESF) system over three consecutive parities. A total of 83 pregnant gilts [Yorkshire×Landrace] were housed into ST: gilts housed in individual stalls, and ESF: gilts housed in groups with ESF system on the basis of body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BFT) in a completely randomized design. Rice hulls were used as bedding material on the group housing floor. The same commercial gestating diet was provided daily at 2.0kg, 2.2kg and 2.4kg/day in the first, second and third parity, respectively, in both treatments. All sows introduced farrowing crates five days before expected farrowing. BW and BFT of the sows were measured at d 35, and 110 of gestation as well as at 12h and d 21 postpartum. Parturition time was recorded during farrowing. Reproductive performance, including total born, stillborn, mummy, born alive, mortality, weaning pigs as well as litter and piglet weight were recorded. Scratch incidence and locomotion scores in sows were assessed at d 36, 70, and 110, respectively. Ten sows in each treatment were randomly selected for blood sampling. Serum samples were analyzed for cortisol and oxytocin levels. In the gestation period, ESF tended to increase BW gain in the second parity (P=0.08), and consistently showed significance during the third parity (P<0.01), resulting in higher BW at d 110 (P=0.10, P<0.03 in parities 2 and 3, respectively). Similarly, BFT gain tended to be higher in ESF than ST (P=0.08, P=0.10 in parity 1 and 2, respectively). Estimated body fat contents changes are also higher in ESF regardless of the parities (P<0.01, P<0.02, P=0.10 in parities 1, 2, and 3, respectively). However, there were no significant differences on sow BW and BFT changes during lactation. There was a tendency of shorten duration of farrowing in the ESF treatment (P=0.07, P=0.09, and P=0.10 in parities 1, 2, and 3, respectively). In reproductive performances, higher piglet stillborn in ST was observed (P=0.06, P=0.07 in parities 2 and 3, respectively). In endocrinal analysis, ST higher serum cortisol was observed at d 110 of gestation (P<0.01 in parity 1), whereas no detectable difference was observed in the serum oxytocin level. Higher incidence of body scratch was scored in ESF treatment in early gestation in all parities (P<0.01). Likewise, ESF treatment were observed higher locomotor disorders in the middle and late gestation periods (P=0.07). In conclusion, our results suggested that the Group housing with ESF system showed higher growth performance and survival rate of piglets. However, more incidences of body scratch and higher locomotion disorder scores observed in the ESF sows was due to the combination of persistent fighting around the ESF machines and inadequate bedding materials. Consequently, it is necessary to consider an adequate space divider or barrier for gestating sows to avoid aggression in the group housing with ESF system.

Effects of Dietary Protein Content on Milk Composition of Mixed Parity Lactating Sows in a Tropical Humid Climate

Eighteen multiparous Large White sows were used to determine the effects of dietary protein content and lactation stage on milk composition during a 28-d lactation under humid tropical climatic conditions. This study was conducted at the INRA facilities in Guadeloupe, French West Indies (latitude 16°N, longitude 61°W). The average minimum and maximum ambient temperatures and average daily relative humidity during the trial were 22.7 and 29.4°C, and 93.7%, respectively. The dietary experimental treatments were a normal protein (NP, 17.3%) diet and a low protein (LP, 14.1%) diet supplemented with essential amino acids. The ADFI tended to be higher for the sows fed the LP diets when compared with the NP treatment (i.e., +9%, P 0.10). The treatments did not influence (P>0.10) sow body weight loss during lactation. The sows fed LP diets tended to show lower backfat thickness losses when compared to the sows fed NP diets (2.4 vs. 6.3 mm, respectively; P 0.10). Milk dry matter and ash contents linearly increased according to lactation stage (17.6 to 19.9%, and 0.72 vs. 97%, respectively from d 7 to d 27; P 0.10) by lactation stage. Maternal BW loss during lactation was negatively correlated with the average daily feed intake (r=-0.76; P<0.05) and positively correlated with backfat thickness loss (r=0.55; P<0.05). A positive correlation between milk production and body reserves mobilisation (r=0.82; P<0.05) was also observed. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content in milk fat was positively correlated with ADFI and negatively correlated to maternal BW loss (r=0.62 and r=-0.60; P<0.05). In conclusion, reducing dietary protein content can be an alternative to attenuate the negative effects of heat stress by increasing ADFI. Milk composition changes significantly according to lactation stage and the ability of sows to produce milk will depend on their capacity to mobilize body reserve for providing milk precursors.

The effect of coated sodium butyrate supplementation in sow and nursery diets on lactation performance and nursery pig growth performance

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) supplementation to peripartal and lactating sows and nursery pigs on lactation performance and nursery growth performance. In Exp. 1, a total of 43 gestating sows (d 81–92 of gestation) were allotted to 0 (n=15), 500 (n=16), or 1000 (n=12) ppm of CSB supplementation based on breed, parity and body weight (BW), and then fed treatment diets until weaning. In Exp. 2 and 3, a total of 144 weanling pigs (72 pigs for Exp. 2 and 3, respectively) from 0 or 1000ppm CSB sow treatments in Exp. 1 were allotted within the sow treatment to 0, 500, or 1000ppm of CSB supplementation in nursery diets based on breed and BW in a split plot design for a 35-d growth study. All pigs in Exp. 2 were injected with ovalbumin at weaning and d 14 postweaning as an immune challenge. In Exp. 1, there were no differences in sow BW, litter size, litter weight, lactation feed intake or milk composition among treatments. However, colostral IgG (P=0.06) and IgA (P=0.09) concentrations tended to increase quadratically as CSB supplementation levels increased. In Exp. 2, pigs from the 1000ppm CSB sow treatment had greater BW at d 35 (P<0.01), average daily gain (ADG; P<0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI; P<0.01) and feed to gain ratio (F:G, P=0.07) than those from the 0ppm CSB sow treatment. For the nursery treatments, ADG (P<0.05) and ADFI (P=0.06) during the 35-d period increased linearly as CSB supplementation levels increased whereas F:G had a negative quadratic response (P=0.10). In Exp. 3, F:G for d 0–14 postweaning tended to be lower (P=0.09) in pigs from the 1000ppm CSB sow treatment compared with those from the 0ppm CSB sow treatment whereas BW, ADG, and ADFI (P<0.05) during the 35-d period decreased linearly as CSB supplementation levels increased in the diets. In conclusion, CSB supplementation tended to increase colostral IgG and IgA concentrations in sows and improved growth performance of nursery pigs under an immune challenge when supplemented in the nursery diet.

Moderately increased energy intake during gestation improves body condition of primiparous sows, piglet growth performance, and milk fat and protein output

This study determined the effect of dietary energy allowance during gestation on reproductive performance, blood metabolites, and milk composition in primiparous sows. Forty-four Landrace×Yorkshire gilts were randomly assigned to receive one of four dietary energy allowances (n=11): low (L), medium (M), high (H), and extremely high (EH). The gilts in L, M, H, and EH treatments were provided 75, 100, 125, and 150% of the energy requirement for maintenance from 0 to 30 d of gestation, respectively. Compared to d 0–30 of gestation, dietary energy allowances in each group increased by 20% from d 30–90 of gestation and increased by 50% from d 90 of gestation to parturition. After parturition, all primiparous sows received the same diet and fed ad libitum during lactation. The results showed that dietary energy linearly and quadratically increased (P<0.01) sow body weight and backfat thickness at d 0 and 28 of lactation. Dietary energy linearly and quadratically increased (P<0.01) sow body weight gain and backfat gain from d 0 of gestation to d 0 of lactation. With increasing dietary energy allowance, there were linear and quadratic increases (P<0.01) in sow body weight loss and backfat loss during lactation, and linear and quadratic decreases (P<0.01) in average daily feed intake during lactation. However, with increasing dietary energy allowance, individual birth and weaning weight linearly and quadratically increased (P<0.05), and litter weight quadratically increased at birth (P<0.05) and tended to increase at weaning (quadratic, P=0.06). The greatest litter weight at birth and weaning was observed when sows were provided the H energy allowance. The number of total born and born alive was not influenced by dietary energy. With increasing dietary energy allowance, the fat and protein content linearly and quadratically increased (P<0.01) in colostrum, and the fat and protein content quadratically increased (P=0.01) in mature milk. The greatest fat and protein content in mature milk was observed when sows were provided the H energy allowance. The results indicated that providing 125, 150, and 187.5% of the energy requirement for maintenance during early, mid, and late gestation was beneficial in maintaining optimal body condition of primiparous sows, as well as improving piglet growth performance and milk fat and protein output.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of supplementing micro-encapsulated organic acids and essential oils in diets for sows and suckling piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility, piglet diarrhoea score, and blood profiles in sows and suckling piglets. A total of 60 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 249.47 ± 11. 62 kg were used and randomly subjected to three treatments such that 20 replicates per treatment were maintained in this trial. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with 0, 500, 1000 mg MOE/kg respectively. The BW of sows increased (linear, p = .014) before farrowing; after farrowing and weaning showed both linear and quadratic (p = <.001) effects with the increase in the dose of MOE in the diet. Further, results showed that tendency of reduced (p = .063) BW loss and increased (linear, p = .046) digestibility of dry matter in sows fed with MOE in the diet. The back fat loss and blood profiles were unaffected (p > .05) both in the sows and suckling piglets by the dietary treatment. Dietary inclusion of increasing level of MOE in sows’ diet increased (p < .05) BW, average daily gain, faecal score of suckling piglets and reduced the number of diarrheal piglets. Therefore, the addition of MOE can be considered as safe and effective enhancement in both farrowing and lactating sows as it favours the growth, nutrient digestibility and helps in avoidance of diarrhoea among suckling piglets.

Changes in body weight and fatness of sows during reproductive activity depending on LEPR and MC4R genes polymorphism

The use of genetic markers in selection of maternal breed gilts for reduced feed intake and fatness of pigs, may impact on their reproductive performance in subsequent breeding. The objective of the study was to analyse changes, over three consecutive lactations, in condition (body weight and fatness) and reproductive performance of Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL) sows of known genotype at leptin receptor (LEPR) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) loci. The study involved 58 PLW and 65 PL gilts. Gilts and subsequently sows were monitored for body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (P2) over three reproductive cycles, and their litters were analysed for the number and body weight of the piglets. A total of 168 litters of PLW pigs and 186 litters of PL pigs were evaluated. It is concluded that over the three reproductive cycles, PLW sows exhibited higher weight gains and lower fatness compared to PL sows. The interaction between LEPR and MC4R genes had a significant effect on changes in body weight of the gilts, subsequently on changes in the condition of sows (BW and P2) during consecutive reproductive cycles, and on the average weight of piglets born. Heterozygous sows of LEPRAB/MC4RAG genotype were characterized during that time by the highest weight gains and backfat thickness at P2, and their the piglets born had low birth weight. Over the three reproductive cycles, sows of LEPRAA/MC4RGG and LEPRAB/MC4RGG genotypes produced piglets with significantly higher birth weight compared to sows of LEPRAB/MC4RAG, LEPRBB/MC4RAA and LEPRBB/MC4RGG genotypes.

Effects of Dietary Energy Levels on the Physiological Parameters and Reproductive Performance of Gestating Gilts.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary energy levels on the physiological parameters and reproductive performance of gestating first parity sows. A total of 52 F1 gilts (Yorkshire×Landrace) were allocated to 4 dietary treatments using a completely randomized design. Each treatment contained diets with 3,100, 3,200, 3,300, or 3,400 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg, and the daily energy intake of the gestating gilts in each treatment were 6,200, 6,400, 6,600, and 6,800 kcal of ME, respectively. During gestation, the body weight (p = 0.04) and weight gain (p = 0.01) of gilts linearly increased with increasing dietary energy levels. Backfat thickness was not affected at d110 of gestation by dietary treatments, but increased linearly (p = 0.05) from breeding to d 110 of gestation. There were no significant differences on the litter size or litter birth weight. During lactation, the voluntary feed intake of sows tended to decrease when the dietary energy levels increased (p = 0.08). No difference was observed in backfat thickness of the sows within treatments; increasing energy levels linearly decreased the body weight of sows (p<0.05) at d 21 of lactation and body weight gain during lactation (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the chemical compositions of colostrum and milk. Therefore, these results indicated that high-energy diets influenced the bodyweight and backfat thickness of sows during gestation and lactation. NRC (2012) suggested that the energy requirement of the gestation gilt should be between 6,678 and 7,932 kcal of ME/d. Similarly, our results suggested that 3,100 kcal of ME/kg is not enough to maintain the reproductive performance for gilts during gestation with 2 kg feed daily. Gilts in the treatment 3,400 kcal of ME/kg have a higher weaning number of piglets, but bodyweight and backfat loss were higher than other treatments during lactation. But bodyweight and backfat loss were higher than other treatments during lactation. Consequently, an adequate energy requirement of gestating gilts is 6,400 kcal of ME/d.

Effects of dietary tryptophan:lysine ratio on the reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous lactating sows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary tryptophan (Trp) to lysine (Lys) ratio on the performance of lactating sows. Thirty primiparous and 195 multiparous lactating sows (Landrace×Yorkshire) were allocated on the basis of parity, body weight, and backfat to 5 dietary treatments according to a randomized complete block design with 5 blocks of farrowing date. The 5 experimental diets contained 0.16%, 0.19%, 0.23%, 0.26%, or 0.29% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Trp and SID Lys level was identical (0.87%) for all diets, with the Trp:Lys ratio being 0.18, 0.22, 0.26, 0.30, and 0.33, respectively. Sows received their assigned lactation diets from day 109 of gestation to weaning. Litter size was standardized to 10–12 piglets within 2 days after farrowing. The average lactation length was 19 days and no creep feed was provided. Changes of sow body weight and backfat during lactation, weaning-to-estrus interval, litter size and weight, litter weight gain, preweaning piglet mortality, and performance of subsequent parity (total born alive, stillborns, and mummies) were recorded. A quadratic pattern of body weight loss (P=0.046), backfat loss (P=0.067), and average daily feed intake (P=0.096) with increasing Trp level was observed for the primiparous sows during lactation, and the losses were minimized with the SID Trp:Lys ratio of 0.25 (0.22% SID Trp) and average feed intake was maximized with the SID Trp:Lys ratio of 0.22 (0.19% SID Trp) according to a segmented regression analysis model. Nevertheless, preweaning piglet mortality of the primiparous sows increased linearly and quadratically (P<0.001) as Trp level increased. On the contrary, piglet mortality of the multiparous sows decreased linearly (P=0.031) with increasing dietary Trp and the mortality was noticeably reduced when the SID Trp:Lys ratio reached 0.26 (0.23% SID Trp). Furthermore, stillborn piglet numbers of multiparous sows in the subsequent parity decreased linearly (P=0.035) with increasing level of Trp. Other parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the dietary treatment. In conclusion, our results indicate that the optimal Trp:Lys ratio for lactating sows is between 0.22 and 0.26.

Relationship between Body Weight of Primiparous Sows during Late Gestation and Subsequent Reproductive Efficiency over Six Parities.

The present study investigated the impact of parity 1 gilt body weight during late gestation (d 109) on subsequent reproductive performance of sows and performance of suckling pigs. A total of 2,404 farrowing records over 6 parities were divided into six groups on the basis of body weight (190, 200, 210, 220, 230, and 240 kg) at d 109 of gestation of 585 gilts. Significant effects (p< 0.05) of body weight on sow retention rate was noticed, with the 210 kg group having the lowest culling rate and highest total number of piglets born alive over the 6 parities. With increase of body weight, a linear increase (p<0.05) in losses of body weight and backfat during the lactation period of parity 1 and a linear decrease (p<0.05) in backfat loss for parities 4 and 6 were found. Compared with light sows, heavy sows had higher (p<0.05) litter weight at birth for parities 1 and 2 and at weaning in parity 1. Sow weaning-to-estrus interval of sows was not influenced (p>0.05) by body weight. In conclusion, maintaining optimal body weight during gestation would be beneficial to sows and suckling piglets.

Analysis of the effect of dietary protected organic acid blend on lactating sows and their piglets

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of blends of dietary protected organic acid supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, faecal microflora, and gas emission on sows and piglets with emphasis on their modes of action to improve pig performance. A total of 12 sows with an average initial body weight (BW) of 252.40±11.7 kg were used in this trial. Growth performance, blood profiles, and nutrient digestibility of sows and piglets fed protected organic acid were evaluated. The dietary treatments included a basal diet (CON); CON + 0.1% protected organic acid; and CON + 0.2% protected organic acid. The BW and back fat of sows was checked four days prior to farrowing and at the weaning day to calculate BW loss and back fat loss during that period. Inclusion of 0.2% protected organic acid provided a greater digestibility than CON diets throughout the experimental period in lactating sows. Dietary supplementation with 0.2% protected organic acid led to a higher white blood cell and lymphocyte concentration than CON treatment in sucking piglets. Immunoglobulin G concentration observed was greater in protected organic acid groups in lactating sow and sucking piglets. Increased faecal Lactobacillus counts with decreased E. coli concentrations were observed with the diets of protected organic acid fed to lactating sows. The E. coli counts were decreased in weaning piglets. The faecal H2S contents were decreased in 0.2% protected organic acid diets during farrowing on day 1. Dietary supplementation with protected organic acid blends beneficially affects the nutrient digestibility, ileal noxious gas (NH3 and H2S) emission, as well as intestinal microbial balance in lactating sows.

Effect of ascorbic acid as a feed additive on indicators of the reproductive performance of Pulawska breed gilts

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of vitamin C on indicators of gilts and sows reproductive value. The study was conducted using 64 gilts of the Pulawska breed. The experimental gilts received a supplement of vitamin C in an amount of 2.4 g daily throughout the whole experiment. Sixteen gilts from both control and experimental groups were mated in their third estrus. In order to determine the number of corpora lutea and the state of development of the reproductive organs, other gilts from the control and experimental groups were slaughtered after third estrus between the 5th and 10th day of the following estrous cycle. The results showed that gilts from the experimental group were characterized by higher potential fertility, as well as reared more piglets per litter. In the body weight and backfat thickness of sows during the first reproduction cycle in the control and experimental groups were not statistically significantly different. The piglets in the experimental group had higher body weight in the 1st and 21st day of rearing. Larger contents of protein, immunoglobulins, and vitamin C were recorded in the colostrum and milk from experimental sows.

Lessons Learned from Managing Electronic Sow Feeders and Sow Body Weight Data

Lessons Learned from Managing Electronic Sow Feeders and Sow Body Weight Data

Crumbled or mashed feed had no significant effect on the performance of lactating sows or their offspring.

BackgroundPhysical and chemical properties of feedstuffs can be changed by feed processing. Moreover, through various mechanisms, feed processing can affect growth performance and feed efficiency of swine, nutrition value of the feed. Weaning-to service-intervals (WSI), subsequent farrowing rates, and total-born litter sizes were determined by feed intake and metabolic state during lactation.MethodsA total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average body weight (BW) of 266.1 kg 4 d before farrowing were used to determine the effect of feed processing on the performance of lactating sows and their offspring. The following two dietary treatments were used: 1) Crumble diet (C); and 2) Mash diet (M). Ten replications were used for each treatment. Back fat thickness of sows was measured 6 cm off the midline at the 10th rib using a real-time ultrasound instrument at 4 d before farrowing, 1 d after farrowing, and during weaning. Sow BW were also checked at 4 d before farrowing, 1 d after farrowing, and during weaning. Fecal score of sows were assessed on d 14. Fecal score of piglets were observed on d 7, 15, and 24. Data were analyzed using t-test procedure of SAS (2014) with sow as experimental unit.ResultsNo significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in the reproduction performance of sows between the two treatments. In addition, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the growth performance of piglets between the two treatments. Fecal score of sows or piglets showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference either.ConclusionsIn conclusion, different feed processing (mash or crumble) did not make any significant difference on the performance of lactation sow or their piglets.

Responses in colostrum production and immunoglobulin concentrations to conjugated linoleic acid fed to multiparous sows during late gestation

This study was conducted to determine whether supplemental conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) fed during late gestation affects reproductive performance, colostrum production and colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) levels of multiparous sows. Forty-eight, pregnant, Landrace×Large White, multiparous sows were allotted to four dietary treatments (n=12), control (CTR, no CLA addition) and 7.5, 15.0, or 22.5g/kg CLA supplementation from d 85 of gestation until farrowing. The CLA was added at the expense of soybean oil. All sows were fed the same commercial lactation diet postpartum. Blood samples were collected from sows on d 85, 100 and 112 of gestation while blood samples were obtained from neonatal piglets 24h postpartum. Colostrum was collected immediately after farrowing and its production was estimated for 24h starting with the birth of the first piglet. Neither the body weight nor backfat thickness of sows were altered by dietary CLA. Reproductive performance, piglet growth and calculated colostrum production were also unaffected. Compared with the CTR diet, dietary CLA supplementation during late gestation decreased (P<0.01) the colostral fat, and increased (P<0.01) the concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM in colostrum (P<0.01). The concentrations of serum Ig and interleukin-2 on d 112 of gestation were increased (P<0.01) in sows receiving CLA, although those factors did not differ among different levels of CLA supplementation. Serum IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations in piglets from sows fed diets containing CLA were increased (P<0.05) 24h postpartum. This study indicates that dietary CLA has potential immunomodulatory effects in gestating sows and neonatal piglets, whereas there were no differences within the CLA treatments.