Effects of different feeding levels during three short periods of gestation on gilt and litter performance, nutrient digestibility, and energy homeostasis

An abstract of a study by Ren et al on the effects of different feeding levels during 3 short periods of gestation on gilt and litter performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients, and energy homeostasis is presented. A total of 18 gilts were allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments using a completely randomized design. Results indicate that increasing feeding levels during 3 short periods of gestation increased primiparous sow BW gain during gestation but did not affect litter performance. ATTD of energy and nutrients, and BW change efficiency were maximized for gilts at 1.0 M feeding level.