Influence of different levels of energy supply in pregnancy and lactation on milk yield of sows
Kirchgessner, M.; Raeder, G.; Roth Maier, D.A.
Zuechtungskunde 63(2): 136-145
1991
Accession: 007455442
The purpose of this experiment was to examine the influence of different levels of energy supply in pregnancy and lactation on milk yield, milk composition, feed intake and weight gains of the sows and the litter. The energy levels were high in pregnancy (40 MJ ME/animal/day) ad libitum intake in lactation (group HA), standard feeding (26 MJ ME) in pregnancy and paired feeding to group HA in lactation (group NP), and standard feeding in pregnancy and ad libitum feeding lactation (group NA). Milk yield was highest in group NP and significantly reduced in the other groups. Milk composition was not influenced by the different energy levels. The animals of the group NP exhibited a significant energy deficiency during the whole lactation. Feed intake was significantly lower in group HP with 4.3 kg compared to group NA with 5.3 kg. The results indicate that high milk yields and optimal reproductive performance of sows are based highly on a feeding concept that is based on the standard requirements in pregnancy and on ad libitum feed intakes in lactation.