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Restricted Energy Intake and Elevated Calcium and Phosphorus Intake for Gilts during Growth. I. Feedlot Performance and Foot and Leg Measurements and Scores during Growth¹

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061

Abstract

Three groups of 96 crossbred gilts each were weaned at 4 to 5 wk of age (avg wt, 7.2 kg) and assigned to four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (ad libitum vs 75% of ad libitum energy intake and 100 vs 150% of NRC-recommended daily Ca and P). The effects on feedlot performance and on foot and leg scores and measurements were examined at approximately 50 and 100 kg body weight. Also, pigs were subjectively Scored for overall structural soundness at the same weights. Limit-fed gilts consumed 78.1% as much feed as gilts fed ad libitum. Average daily gain of the limit-fed gilts was 86.7% that of the gilts fed ad libitum (P<.01), and feed/gain was nonsignificantly improved by 8.4% for limit-fed gilts. The feeding of 150% of NRC-recommended levels of Ca and P resulted in a 5% increase (P<.05) in daily gain, but daily feed intake and feed/unit of gain were not significantly affected. At the same age, almost all foot and leg measurements were larger for gilts fed ad libitum than for limit-fed gilts. However, when the values were adjusted for body weight, there was little or no measurable effect of energy intake. Elevated Ca and P levels had minimal effects, with only a trend toward larger measurements for gilts fed 150% of NRC-recommended daily Ca and P levels. Foot and leg measurements increased from 50 to 100 kg and were larger for the outside toes than for the inside toes for both front and hind feet. Energy intake and elevated Ca and P levels had little effect on the incidence and severity of toe lesions. The incidence of pad and horn lesions increased over time and was much greater on the outside toes on the front and hind feet. Restricted feeding and increased Ca and P levels did not improve overall structural soundness.

¹ Appreciation is expressed to the John Lee Pratt Animal Nutrition Program for financial support; to Borden Chemical Co., Norfolk, VA, Agricultural Processing, Salem, VA, and Calcium Carbonate, Quincy, IL, for ingredients and to Charlie Babb, Carl Eure and Paul Boone for caring for animals.

² Dept. of Anim. Sci.

³ Tidewater Research and Continuing Education Center.

⁴ Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine