Effects of dietary fat inclusion at two energy levels on reproductive performance, milk compositions and blood profiles in lactating sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fat inclusion to create two energy levels on reproductive performance, milk compositions and blood profiles in lactating sows. Twenty-four multiparous sows were randomly assigned to four treatments according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Two energy levels (3365 and 3265 kcal/kg) were created by supplementing different fat levels (high and low). Higher energy level resulted in less (P<0.05) body weight and backfat loss, shorter wean-to-estrus interval, and greater body weight gain of piglets. Sows fed higher fat diet had higher (P<0.05) fat concentration in colostrum. Higher concentrations of triglyceride and creatinine and lower concentrations of luteinizing hormone at weanling were noted (P<0.05) in sows fed lower energy diet than those fed higher energy diet. In conclusion, feeding of higher energy diet during lactation may improve the reproductive performance of sows during lactation.