Effect of Level and Source of Protein on Reproductive Performance of Swine

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Abstract
A study of 155 animals was made to evaluate the influence of various levels and sources of protein fed during the last half of pregnancy on reproductive performance of female swine. Neither the level nor the source of protein influenced litter size, number of live pigs farrowed, birth weight of live pigs or pig livability. Gilt, but not sow, gestation gain was inferior at 5% protein compared to gain at 16% protein. Litter weight at 2 weeks post-partum was satisfactory when the sows were fed a 16% protein diet during gestation and lactation. Litters from gilts fed 5% protein during gestation and 16% protein during lactation gained faster than litters from gilts fed 5% protein diets during both phases. A 97% corn diet supported parturition performance equivalent to that of a 16% protein, corn-soybean meal diet. However, the corn diet did not support gestation gain during the winter months or litter gain the first 2 weeks of lactation equal to that of gilts fed 16% protein.