Effects of dietary energy intake during gestation and lactation on milk yield and composition of first, second and fourth parity sows

Abstract

In order to determine the effects of a varied level of dietary energy intake during pregnancy and lactation on milk yield and composition, first, second and fourth parity sows (Large White x German Landrace) were provided with energy at a level of either: (i) 100% of ME requirement (MEreq) during pregnancy and lactation, (ii) 120% MEreq during pregnancy and 80% during lactation, and (iii) 80% MEreq during pregnancy and 120% during lactation. In spite of equal target levels feed analysis revealed that gestating first parity sows with 120/80 treatment combination and lactating sows of 80/120 treatment combination received 25, and 11-17% more digestible N than in the respective 100/100 treatment combination. Irrespective of this 120/80 sows responded with the highest milk DM, fat, and energy contents, and the lowest lactose concentrations whereas protein levels where not affected, irrespective of parity (p < 0.05). Milk yield of sows in 1st and 4th lactation was 85 and 106% of that in 2nd lactation, respectively. Average milk composition was 18.1% DM, 4.9% protein, 6.8% fat, 5.6% lactose, and 0.8% ash. Milk composition changes ceased at day 7 of lactation with a reduction of milk GE and protein, and an increase of lactose content. Concentrations of threonine, arginine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine, and tryptophan, as well as stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid were higher in colostrum than in milk at later lactation stages. In contrast, laurine, myristic, palmitic, and palmitoleic acids were lower concentrated in colostrum. In conclusion, these results illustrate the importance of body reserve mobilization for milk production in sows and indicate that low energy supply during gestation cannot be compensated by higher energy supply during lactation.

Effects of dietary fat inclusion at two energy levels on reproductive performance, milk compositions and blood profiles in lactating sows

“…Fatty acids in the milk are derived from blood lipids (including endogenous and dietary fatty acids) and de novo synthesis in the mammary glands, thus the concentration of fat in colostrum and milk can be increased by increasing the fat level in the sow's diet, which was demonstrated in the present study. Lauridsen and Danielsen (2004) and Beyer et al (2007) also reported similar findings.…”

“…Many studies have been conducted concerning the effects of feeding or energy level in sow's lactation diet on litter performance, milk yield and composition. Sow body conditions, milk yield and litter weight gain were improved when the feeding level was increased (Hultén et al, 1993;Beyer et al, 2007).…”

Risk factors and epidemiological characteristics of new neonatal porcine diarrhoea syndrome in four Danish herds

“…An association with young sows is in line with previous studies on suckling piglet and neonatal diarrhoea [3,7,8]. Different factors, such as lower levels of colostral antibodies [9], differences in milk composition [10] and stressful behaviour in first parity sows [11] may explain this association. Although no specific microorganism has been identified in the pathogenesis of NNPDS the overrepresentation of first parity litters may be due to lack of specific colostral immunity of a yet unknown infectious agent.…”

Impact of piglet birthweight and sow parity on mortality rates, growth performance, and carcass traits in pigs

“…Considering de effect of sow parity on ADG and ADG-CV (Table 6), similarly, looking at this factor on birthweight, parity affected these parameters particularly during the lactation period. The higher volume of milk produced by older sows (Beyer et al, 2007) may explain the higher ADG in these categories during the lactation period. After weaning, however, environmental factors appear to prevail and account for the differences in ADG and ADG-CV observed in the present study.…”