Weight changes in sows during pregnancy and lactation

Abstract

Results are presented on weight changes in sows which indicate (1) that checks to increases in weight at specific stages appear to be a normal function of pregnancy in sows, (2) that most of the weight gained during pregnancy in excess of that accounted for by the litter and placenta is lost before the next pregnancy, either during lactation or, if this is prevented, immediately after weaning, (3) that considerable weight loss occurs between weaning and re-mating on a level of feeding which is sufficient to allow a mean gain of 1 lb. per day during pregnancy, and (4) that sows given a relatively low level of total feed during lactation appear to lose considerably less weight between weaning and re-mating, and to gain weight more rapidly during the first few weeks of pregnancy, than those fed to a relatively high level during lactation. Practical implications of these results are considered.

The effects of level of feeding of sows during pregnancy. II. Changes in body weight

“…The consistent decline in weight gain during the last week of pregnancy was not found in the previous study of weight change in sows (Lodge et al, 1961). The last weighing of pregnancy was, on average, 2-6 days before parturition, and there was no decline in feed intake between days 106 and 112 to account for a decline in weight gain.…”

Threonine Requirement for Reproduction in Swine

“…The existence of a negative correlation between gestation gains and lactation gains has been reported by Salmon-Legagneur and Rerat (1962) and Lodge et al (1961). Woerman and Speer (1976) noted that lactation gains decreased as the lysine supplementation increased in the gestation ration.…”

Influence of Energy Intake during Lactation on Subsequent Gestation, Lactation and Postweaning Performance of Sows

“…Apparently sows fed Lo compensated for their greater weight loss during Lac 1 [indicated by the differences (P<.01) in Lac 1 sow weaning weight]. Previous reports indicate that energy intake (Elsley et al, 1968;Adam and Shearer, 1975;O'Grady et al, 1975) and feed intake (Lodge et al, 1961;Elsley et al, 1969;Hitchcock et al, 1971) during lactation had no effect on net sow weight change during gestation. However, MacPherson et al (1969) and O'Grady (1971) reported that sows fed low protein diets during lactation tended to compensate by gaining more weight during the following gestation than those fed higher protein diets.…”