Protein reduced feeding and feeding intervals in lactating sows

The objective of the present study was to establish the influence of a protein reduced lactation ration on the reproductive performance of sows. In addition, the effect of different feeding frequencies was analysed. Investigations in 168 sows and 4629 piglets show that a protein reduced lactation ration with 15 % crude protein had no significant influence on litter size and piglet performance. The feed intake of sows fed four times a day was higher compared to sows fed twice a day. Parity and seasonal effects had a more stronger impact on reproductive traits versus the different feeding groups. Due to the same performance level of the different feeding groups a protein reduced ratio must be preferred in order to reduce the excretion of nitrogen.

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