The effect of different proportions of protein and antibiotic in the diet on reproductive performance of indigenous pigs in Nigeria

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Abstract
Summary: One hundred and twelve indigenous gilts and sows were used in two trials to study the effects of strepcillin (a mixture of streptomycin and penicillin) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/t feed in a basal 15% protein diet and strepcillin at 0, 25, and 50g/t feed in rations containing 12, 15 and 18% protein, on the reproductive performance of pigs.Reproductive performance in terms of sow net gain in weight through the reproductive cycle, average birth weight of live pigs per litter and number of pigs weaned per litter were significantly affected by antibiotic levels. The dietary level of 50 g antibiotic/t feed gave the highest reproductive performance though at higher levels no adverse effects on reproductive performance were obtained.Reproductive performance of pigs was significantly influenced by protein and antibiotic levels. A significant interaction between antibiotic and protein levels was obtained for weight loss in sows at parturition and lactation, net gain in weight through the reproductive cycle, total and live pigs farrowed per litter.