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Effect of Diet on Gestation-Lactation Performance of Sows

University of Illinois^,2

Abstract

Conclusions:

1. A basal ration composed of yellow corn, soybean meal, tankage, fish meal, fortified cod-liver oil and minerals was nutritionally inadequate for gestation and lactation under drylot conditions.
   
2. The addition of either six or twelve percent of dried corn distillers' solubles, a combination of alfalfa meal and dried solubles, alfalfa meal, or six crystalline B-vitamins improved breeding efficiency, fertility and the strength of the pigs farrowed. The value of the alfalfa meal and the solubles is attributed to the water-soluble vitamins, known or unknown, contained in these products.
   
3. Feeding during gestation is an important factor for satisfactory results during lactation and must not be ignored when considering the question of high mortality among baby pigs.
   
4. The residual effect of feeding rations fortified with B₂-complex supplements during gestation was manifested during the lactation period when all groups received the basal ration. Only 13 percent and 7 percent of the pigs were weaned by the basal sows, while 83 percent and 82 percent of the pigs were weaned by the sows fed alfalfa meal during gestation, and the basal ration during lactation. The importance of adequate nutrition during gestation and the value of alfalfa meal as a vitamin B₂-complex supplement is clearly demonstrated. Sows fed the combination of 6 percent solubles and 4 percent alfalfa meal during gestation weaned 85 percent of their pigs although they were fed the basal ration during lactation. The six crystalline vitamins were effective in supplementing the basal ration, but the residual effect was not manifested to the same degree as in the groups fed natural vitamin carriers. This indicates either a greater tissue storage of the known factors or a storage of unknown factors by the groups fed alfalfa meal or the solubles-alfalfa meal combination.
   
5. In the interpretation of the differences in the lactation performance of sows due to ration differences, consideration of the adequacy of the rations fed during the gestation and even the growing periods should be considered.
   

¹ Acknowledgment is made to D. V. Catron and M. E. Gregory for their assistance in conducting the experimental work and in analyzing the data. We also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of R. H. McDade, chief swine herdsman.

² Animal Husbandry Department, Urbana, Illinois.