Influence of Carnichrome on the energy balance of gestating sows12

Abstract

Twelve multiparous sows with an average initial weight of 182 kg were used in a randomized complete block design to determine the effects of feeding Carnichrome (50 mg of carnitine and 200 microg of chromium picolinate per kilogram of feed, as fed) on energy and nitrogen utilization in early, mid-, and late gestation. All sows were fed a diet with or without Carnichrome for the preceding 28-d lactation, the weaning-to-estrus period, and for the duration of gestation. Daily feeding allowances over pregnancy were based on calculated energy and nutrient requirements to achieve a target sow maternal weight gain of 20 kg and remained constant throughout gestation. Heat production (HP) and its partitioning (activity, thermic effect of feeding short term [TEFst], basal) were determined in early (wk 5 or 6), mid- (wk 9 or 10), and late (wk 14 or 15) pregnancy using indirect calorimetry. Net maternal weight gain and total number of fetuses averaged 21.6 kg and 16.4, respectively. Organic matter and energy digestibility for the Carnichrome diet was greater (P < 0.05), which resulted in greater DE and ME contents (0.6%, P < 0.05) compared with the control diet. The digestibility coefficient of energy in the current experiment for a typical corn and soybean meal diet (92%) was greater than that predicted from DE values of corn and soybean meal in feeding tables (88%). Carnichrome had no effect on total HP, energy retained as protein or lipid, and maternal energy retention in early, mid-, or late gestation. Heat production in late gestation increased linearly (4.0 kJ/[kg BW0.75 x d]) for each additional day from d 90 to 110, despite the reduction of ME intake per unit of BW0.75. Metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance was 405 kJ/(kg BW0.75 x d). On average, activity HP was 116 kJ/(kg BW0.75 x d), which was equivalent to 20% of ME intake; however, this value ranged from 11 to 37% between sows, which corresponds to duration of standing ranging from 210 to 490 min/d. Energy cost of standing activity averaged 0.30 kJ/(kg BW0.75 x min). In conclusion, Carnichrome had no effect on the components of heat production and maternal weight gain during gestation, although it improved energy and organic matter digestibility of the diet.

Wheat bran inclusion level impacts its net energy by shaping gut microbiota and regulating heat production in gestating sows

“…Decreased AHP is connected with a significantly decreased time that gestating sows spent on physical activity. Consistent with other studies ( Rijnen et al., 2003 ; Young et al., 2004 ), sows produced 0.24 kJ/kg BW 0.75 heat per minute of physical activity (sitting and standing) in this study.…”

“…(2003) reported sows spent 87.7% of their day resting and about 12.5% doing physical activity and eating. However, an inconsistent result was reported by Young et al. (2004) who found gestating sows fed one meal per day spent about 17% of their day sitting and standing.…”

Influence of l-carnitine on metabolism and performance of sows

“…It has been, moreover, found that l -carnitine increases body weight and backfat thickness in sows during gestation ( 34 ) . This finding prompted Young et al ( 75 ) to the hypothesis that carnitine improves energy utilisation in sows. These authors were able to demonstrate that Carnichrome, a combination of l -carnitine and chromium, improves the digestibility of energy and organic matter from the diet but has no influence on heat production.…”