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Effect of Dietary Protein during Growth and Gestation on Development and Reproductive Performance of Gilts¹

South Dakota State University, Brookings 57006

Abstract

Two trials were conducted involving 76 crossbred gilts from an initial weight of 46 kg through gestation to evaluate the effect of dietary protein on growth, development and reproduction. Isocaloric diets containing 10 and 14% protein and supplemented with equal levels of minerals and vitamins were fed at a level of 2 kg daily during growth and gestation. All gilts were bred at the third estrus with one-half of them being slaughtered approximately 25 days postbreeding and the remainder allowed to farrow.

Gilts fed the 14% protein diet gained faster (P<.01) during both the development and gestation periods and were heavier and younger at breeding. There were no significant differences in number of corpora lutea or live embryos at 25 days or number and weight of pigs at birth. Total serum protein was lower (P<.05) at the end of the growing period in gilts fed the 10% protein diet but not after 25 days gestation or at farrowing.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station as Pub. No. 1439 of the Journal Series.

² Department of Animal Science.