Growth, development and reproductive abilities of replacement gilts when use of different doses of the feed additive Elevit

The purpose of the work was to study the growth, development and reproductive abilities of replacement gilts when use of different doses of the feed additive Elevit in their diet. Crossbred replacement gilts (Large White × Landrace) were used in the research. Animals were divided into groups according to the analog principle. After the formation of the experimental groups the gilts were housed under identical conditions. At the same time, their feeding diff ered in such a way that the gilts of the 1st control group received only the main diet, and the gilts of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups in addition to the main diet received the feed additive Elevit at a dosage of 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 %, respectively. The optimal dosage of the feed additive Elevit was determined when rearing replacement gilts from 4 to 8 months of age. The animal science and economic efficiency of using the feed additive Elevit in the diets of gilts during their rearing period was established. Thus, feeding the feed additive Elevit to the replacement pigs of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups during the rearing period from 4 to 8 months of age contributed to an increase in the gross gain in live weight by 6.5; 11.7 and 15.8 %, respectively, while feed costs decreased by 4.8; 8.9 and 11.7 %, respectively, compared to the 1st control group. In order to improve the growth, development and reproductive function of replacement gilts under the conditions of industrial pork production technology, it is recommended to feed them the feed additive Elevit in the amount of 1.5 % in addition to the main diet during their rearing period from 4 to 8 months.