Additional feeding during late gestation improves initial litter weight of lactating sows exposed to high ambient temperature

Abstract

The present study investigated the impacts of additional feeding (AF; containing 16% excess feed than control diet in the last two weeks of gestation) during late gestation period and different backfat thickness (BFT) including low (<20 mm) and high (≥20 mm) backfat on reproductive performance, litter size, blood metabolites, hormonal profiles, colostrum, and milk composition of sows from day 90 of gestation to farrowing, and from farrowing to weaning during summer (average 28.3 °C). Fiftyfour crossbred sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) were allotted to one of four treatments according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement. There was no AF×BFT interaction for any of the measured variables. The body weight change of sows was decreased for <20 mm in BFT and AF treatments during late gestation and farrowing to weaning periods. The BFT change of sows was higher in AF during late gestation and higher in ≥20 mm BFT during late gestation and farrowing to weaning periods. There were no effects of AF and BFT on the average daily feed intake and weaning-to-oestrus interval; however, sows in AF groups had a greater litter uniformity at birth and initial litter weight. Hormone profiles, colostrum, and milk composition of sows were not different among the treatments. Additional feeding during the last two weeks of gestation increases initial litter size in summer; however, final litter weight is not affected.

Bump Feeding Improves Sow Reproductive Performance, Milk Yield, Piglet Birth Weight, and Farrowing Behavior

“…The goal is to provide the gestating sow with the extra energy and amino acids needed in late gestation to support the conceptus's exponential growth [22]. Increasing the average daily feed intake (ADFI) in the later stages of pregnancy contributes to mammary gland development, milk production [23,24], fetal growth [25,26], and the development of piglet thermoregulation.…”

Importance of dietary supplementation of soluble and insoluble fibers to sows subjected to high ambient temperatures during late gestation and effects on lactation performance

“…The beneficial effects of high SF diets on farrowing duration may be due to the increased constipation index. Gestating sows, in particular, are at risk of constipation due to a restricted diet from 2 d before the expected parturition ( Choi et al., 2019 ; Oliviero et al., 2009 ). Constipation adversely affects sows health by increasing distress symptoms, gut obstruction, and prolonged farrowing duration ( Thorsen et al., 2017 ).…”

Dietary Fiber for Gestating Sows During Heat Stress: Effects on Reproductive Performance and Stress Level

“…The positive effects of the HF diets on farrowing duration can be because of a higher constipation index. Practically, the feed intake of gestating sows is restricted during the last 2 days before the expected farrowing [21]. In this situation, the probability of occurring constipation increases around farrowing due to low feed intake and ber intake [14,43].…”

“…The improved intestinal integrity during gestation may re ect in the lactation period with greater potential for digestibility of nutrients and possibly more e cient digestion. Particularly that the feed intake of lactating sows is almost two times higher than gestating sows and even a small increase of dietary ber level may induce further stress and compromise litter performance [21]. It has been reported that brous diets increase the frequency of meals, spent time eating, and decreased lying time [9].…”