Long Term Effect of Energy Intake on Reproductive Performance of Swine

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Abstract
Seventy-six gilts were used to investigate (1) the minimum energy requirement for normal reproduction and (2) the long term effect of energy intake on reproductive performance. Animals received their respective gestation dietary treatments, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 Mcal of metabolizable energy daily, through three reproductive cycles. Total pigs farrowed per litter decreased (P<.05) in a linear manner with increasing energy intake but live pigs farrowed per litter was not statistically different among dietary treatment groups. Birth weight of total (P<.05) live pigs (P<.01) farrowed increased with increasing energy intake. Number of pigs weaned and weaning weight were not statistically different among dietary treatment groups. Sow weight change and the number of sows completing three reproductive cycles were greatly affected by energy intake. With increasing daily energy intake during gestation there was a greater sow weight change between the 3. and 4.5 Mcal ME treatment group than between the other treatment groups, thus resulting in a significant (P.01) quadratic response. Of 19 gilts started per treatment 9, 10, 11 and 6 for the 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 Mcal ME diets, respectively, completed three reproductive cycles. Copyright © 1973. American Society of Animal Science. Copyright 1973 by American Society of Animal Science.

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