Effects of dietary energy and lysine levels on physiological responses, reproductive performance, blood profiles, and milk composition in primiparous sows

Abstract

The adequate intake of energy and lysine for primiparous sows are necessary for maternal growth of sows and growth of their progeny. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary energy and lysine levels on primiparous sows and their progeny. A total of 48 gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace), with an initial body weight (BW) of 168.1 ± 9.71 kg and at day 35 of gestation, were allotted to eight treatment groups with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The first factor was metabolizable energy levels in diet (3,265 or 3,365 kcal of ME/kg), and the second factor was lysine levels in diet (gestation 0.55%, 0.65%, 0.75%, 0.85%, lactation 0.70%, 0.85%, 1.00%, 1.15%). The BW gain (p = 0.07) and backfat thickness (p = 0.09) in the gestation period showed a tendency to be increased in sows fed the high-energy diets. In the lactation period, sows fed the high-energy diets tended to be greater BW (p = 0.09) and less BW loss (p = 0.05) than those of sows fed the low-energy diets. Sows fed high-energy diets had a tendency of greater piglet weight at day 21 of lactation and greater piglet weight gain (p = 0.08 and p = 0.08, respectively). Although the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was increased linearly as dietary lysine level increased at day 110 of gestation (Linear, p = 0.03), the BUN was decreased linearly as dietary lysine level increase at day 21 of lactation (Linear, p < 0.01). In the composition of colostrum, sows fed high-energy diets had greater casein, protein, total solid, solid not fat, and free fatty acid concentrations than those of sows fed low-energy diets (p < 0.05). Supplementation of total lysine 0.75% for gestation and 1.00% for lactation with 3,365 kcal of ME/kg energy level could be applied to the primiparous sows' diet to improve performance of sows and growth of their progeny.

Effects of L-Arginine Supplementation during Late Gestation on Reproductive Performance, Piglet Uniformity, Blood Profiles, and Milk Composition in High Prolific Sows

“…These problems are caused by several maternal factors, such as inadequate nutrient intake of late gestation, high number of fetus, insufficient cervical space, or insufficient reproductive tract for fetus development [5][6][7]. Therefore, various studies were conducted to minimize these problems and improve the piglet uniformity of high prolific sows with nutritional strategies including sow body condition, nutrients type or ratio, and functional amino acids [8][9][10].…”

Effects of dietary copper sources and levels on growth performance, copper digestibility, fecal and serum mineral characteristics in growing pigs

“…Serum characteristics were determined as indicators of the physiological condition and health of growing pigs [ 27 ]. Although there was no significant difference among the different Cu source groups, the TP was decreased by about 12 % in pigs fed 100 mg/kg of CuHMB than that in pigs fed CuSO 4 .…”

Importance of Selected Nutrients and Additives in the Feed of Pregnant Sows for the Survival of Newborn Piglets

“…Administering adequate supplies of Lys during lactation allows those sows to maximize milk production and their reproductive yield [73]. It is also important to emphasize that a low ingestion of lysine during lactation can have a negative effect on the sow's metabolic balance, secretion of reproductive hormones, and the interval between weaning and estrus while, in contrast, a high Lys consumption can improve metabolic states in sows and increase total litter weight at birth and the weight of piglets at weaning [74]. Given these findings, diverse studies have evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with various percentages of lysine on milk production and reproductive performance in primiparous and multiparous sows (Table 2).…”