Effect of dietary energy in gestation on reproductive performance of gilts

Three experiments involving 84 gilts were conducted to investigate the effect of gestation energy intake on reproductive performance of gilts and postnatal performance of the progeny. A basal diet calculated to supply 217 g of crude protein and adequate levels of vitamins and minerals was supplemented with refined sugar (sucrose) at levels of 172 (L), 952 (M) and 1,371 (H) g to provide the indicated levels of energy during pregnancy. All sows were allowed to consume a 16% protein corn-soybean meal diet to appetite during lactation. In the first experiment, four pigs from each litter (72 pigs) were fed a standard 16 to 10% protein diet during the growing-finishing period.

Net weight change of gilts from mating to parturition was significantly correlated with the level of energy intake. Performance of the gilts during lactation in terms of body weight changes was opposite from the trend observed in gestation: gilts that gained more weight during gestation lost most weight during lactation.

Farrowing percentage and number of pigs born per litter were not significantly affected by gestation treatment. Individual pig weight and total litter weight at birth were significantly reduced in the offspring of the low energy-fed group, whereas, no differences were observed between the medium and high energy groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in ADG, feed consumption and feed/gain for pigs fed a common diet during growth.