Effects of alfalfa level in gestation and lactation on sow reproductive performance 1. effects on litter size body weight and body weight gain of piglets
Lee, J.H.; Cheong, S.K.; Kim, K.S.
Research Reports of the Rural Development Administration (Suweon) 30(3 LIVEST): 1-5
1988
Accession: 007267877
To study on the effect of alfalfa addition to the sow ration on the growth performance of piglets, 56 two-way crossbred (Large-White .times. Landrace) were used. They were fed different levels of alfalfa added ration (0, 5, 15 and 25%) from mating to weaning. Gestation length, litter size at birth, 3rd week and 5th week were not different among treatments. However, survival rate during suckling period were increased as the alfalfa level increased (P < 0.05). Number of abnormal piglets at birth were decreased as the alfalfa level increased. Body weight at birth and 3rd week of piglets were not different among treatments (NS), but body weight at 5th week of piglets were increased as the alfalfa level increased (P < 0.01). Average daily gain of piglets from birth to 3rd week were not different among treatments (NS). However there were signification from 3rd week to 5th week and from birth to 5th week (P < 0.05).