Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
(N/A)
Animal Health Component
20%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
80%
Applied
20%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
The primary objective of this project is to determine the effects of dietary manipulation (energy and amino acid level) on gilt development and sow lifetime productivity. Survey colstrum and other litter of origin effects on gilt development and sow lifetime productivity. Assess the contribution of gilt social structure on gilt development and sow lifetime productivity. Assess relationships between gilt development, sow lifetime productivity and mammary gland development and function.
Project Methods
Litter of origin traits (litter size, birth weights, immunocrits, weaning weights) will be collected on 3000 gilts during the neonatal period. The gilts will then be fed three different diets, a control diet and two diets designed to reduce their growth rates. Gilts will be observed for estrous behavior and mated on the second estrus. Litter information will be collected at farrowing, and then the sows will be rebred and litter information will be collected for parities 2 and 3. Collaborators will examine the effects of gilt social structure during the development period on puberty and production in later parities. Collaborators will also examine on puberty and production in later parities. Collaborators will also examine mammary gland function during lactation for the 3 parities of the trial.