REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GILTS AND SOWS HAVING DIFFERENT FEEDING PATTERNS

摘要

Genetic improvement in the recent 10 years has made modern genotype sows younger, leaner and heavier at the time of first mating. Furthermore, they have a higher milk production, a lower feed intake, and the lactation time has decreased, which means they have to reach their maximum intake in less time after farrowing. One of the consequences of these changes is that feed intake is not always enough to meet the gilt and sow's nutritional requirements, which can led to the mobilization of body reservesand tissue (protein and fat) to supply the additional nutrients for milk production. Amongst other practices, it is recommended to increase feed offered during lactation with gradual increases of about 3 Ib (1.3 to 1.5 kg) per day after farrowing, and once the sow's intake is established, feed to appetite. The objective of the present study was to characterize different feeding patterns of gilts and sows fed ad libitum, and compare the reproductive performance of gilts and sows according to their feeding pattern.