Protein Supplementation of Barley Diets for Two Breeds of Gestating Swine over Two Parities

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Abstract
An experiment involving 26 Duroc and 32 Yorkshire gilts was conducted over two gestation-lactation periods to assess the effect of supplemental protein in a barley diet for gestating swine. Second parity sows had heavier litter weights at birth and 21 days of age and heavier average piglet weights at birth than gilts. Yorkshire litters averaged more live pigs at birth and 21 days of age but they were lighter at both ages than piglets farrowed by Durocs. Protein supplementation of a barley diet increased survival of piglets and increased litter and piglets weights at birth but had no effect on number of pigs per litter at birth. There was a suggestion of a breed X protein interaction with respect to number of pigs per litter and litter weights at 21 days of age with the Yorkshires showing a greater response to protein supplementation than the Durocs.