Productive and reproductive performance of sows progeny fed at different sources of phosphorus

Abstract

The effect of three sources of phosphorus on sows progeny was studied in two trials, during 2.7 years or 970 days. In the first trial, 45 Landrace gilts (15 pertreatment) were used, after mating with Large White boars. The gilts were fed with the following phosphorus sources: dicalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate (triple superphosphate) or Tapira phosphate, during 35 days when they were weaned. After weaning 45 female piglets from each treatment were fed initial growing and finishing rations. At the time the animals reached 80 kg of liveweight, a new culling selection was performed. The selected groups remained in the reproductive treatment until the third estrus, when the gilts were mated with Duroc boar. The second trial was then carried out with 22 gilts from each treatment, which received the same treatment. The three groups were followed during four reproductive cycles. Significantly effects (p < 0,05) of phosphorus sources were shown on the following productive and reproductive traits: bodyweight of sows at 107 d of gestation, feed intake during lactation, weaning to estrus, litter weight at birth, 21 and 35 days (weaning) and feed intake of piglets until weaning. Percentage of calcium in the bones of piglets was affected by phosphorus source. Percentages of ash, phosphorus, fluoride and weight of fat free bone were also affected by treatments. Althrough Tapira phosphate showed effective results on productive and reproductive performance, compared to the other sources of phosphorus, histological observations indicated bone abnormalities in dams and offsprings after the fourth reproductive cycle.