Journal of Applied Animal Research

To study the effect of high-energy diets on performance of lactating sows in a tropical climate, 78 multiparous PIC sows on d 100 of gestation were divided into 4 groups (20x3, 18x1). From d 7 before parturition (d-7) until d 21 of lactation (weaning), sows were fed ad libitum diets containing 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 or 3.5 Mcal ME/kg. At farrowing, BW was not different among diets (P>0.05), but at weaning it was lower for the control diet (P<0.05). BFT and BCS at farrowing and weaning and overall feed, energy and protein intake were lower for control group (P<0.05). Litter weight at birth was higher for the 3.5 Mcal ME/kg diet (P<0.05), and at weaning it was lower for the control diet (P<0.05). Weaning-first service interval was longer in control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, increasing the dietary energy content by adding fat improved the overall performance of lactating sows in a tropical climate and prevented them from decreasing their voluntary feed intake.