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

Abstract

. Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Effects of increasing feeding level during late gestation on sow and litter performance 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 Ã-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. For the first gestation and lactation period, gilts had increased (P < 0.001) backfat thickness on d 35, 90, and 112 of gestation and at farrowing compared with sows but had increased (P < 0.001) lactation backfat loss. Increasing late gestation feed increased (P < 0.001) weight gain from d 90 to 112 in both gilts and sows. There were late gestation feeding level Ã-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. Increasing feeding level in late gestation also increased (P < 0.04) total feed cost. A feeding level Ã-parity interaction was observed (P < 0.04) for average weight of total born and live born pigs. Increasing feeding level in late gestation increased piglet birth weight in gilts but decreased piglet weight in sows. Gilts had increased (P < 0.02) number and total weight of the total born, live born, and number after fostering compared with older parity sows. Gilts weaned larger (P < 0.002) litters and had increased (P < 0.03) total litter weaning weight compared with older parity sows. At weaning, sows had a decreased (P < 0.002) weaning to breeding interval compared with gilts, and a late gestation feeding level Ã-parity interaction was observed (P < 0.03) for conception rate. Gilts that received increased late gestation feed had a greater conception rate than those maintained on the same level, whereas a decrease in conception rate was observed when sows received increased late gestation feed. During the subsequent lactation period, a feeding level Ã-parity interaction was detected (P < 0.005) for lactation backfat loss. This interaction was reflective of an increase in backfat loss in parity 2 sows as the late gestation feeding level was increased and a decrease in backfat loss in parity 3 and older sows with increasing late gestation feeding level. A feeding level Ã-parity interaction was detected (P < 0.02) for lactation weight loss; parity 2 sows lost a greater amount of weight when late gestation feeding level was increased, whereas similar weight los...

Nutritional interventions to prevent and rear low‐birthweight piglets

“…(), individual piglet weights were increased (1.48 vs. 1.44 kg) after feeding 1.36 kg extra feed per day from day 90 to farrowing (Cromwell et al., ). This effect was observed in both gilts and sows, which is in contrast to a more recent study in which 0.91 kg extra feed per day was offered during the same period (Shelton et al., ). In the latter, individual piglets' birthweight was increased in gilts (1.42 vs. 1.51 kg), but decreased in sows (1.54 kg vs. 1.43 kg).…”

Effects of amino acids and energy intake during late gestation of high-performing gilts and sows on litter and reproductive performance under commercial conditions1,2

“…Cromwell et al (1989) observed a 40-g increase in piglet birth weight when gilts and sows were fed an extra 1.4 kg of feed daily during late gestation. Shelton et al (2009) and Soto et al (2011) observed an increase in piglet birth weight in litters from gilts fed increased amount of feed during late gestation, although this was not apparent in sow litters. Yet the effects of increased feed allowance during late gestation on piglet birth weight remains unclear for commercial conditions, particularly in high-performing herds (>14.5 total piglets born/sow).…”

“…However, increasing feed intake in late gestation has been shown to improve piglet birth weight (Cromwell et al, 1989;Shelton et al, 2009;Soto et al, 2011). Cromwell et al (1989) observed a 40-g increase in piglet birth weight when gilts and sows were fed an extra 1.4 kg of feed daily during late gestation.…”

Exploration of individual variability to better predict the nutrient requirements of gestating sows1

“…Increasing energy allowance in late gestation may improve piglets' vitality and survival at birth, especially in hyperprolific sows Quiniou et al (2005), and helps maintaining sows' body reserves at parturition, whist reducing backfat loss during lactation (Miller et al 2000). Moreover, Shelton et al (2009) found that additional feed allowance in…”