Give gilts more lysine

摘要

A generous allowance of lysine or protein relative to energy is being proposed for replacement gilts. Some long-established nutritional strategies for the rearing of future breeding gilts may have to be revised in the light of new information. Most particularly under challenge is the concept that a diet high in energy and low in protein is the most appropriate for the young gilt in order to build up her store of body fat at the start of her breeding life. According to this concept, inadequate body fatness conflicts with subsequent reproductive function and performance. A first-litter female lacking in fat is more likely to suffer problems such as an extended interval between weaning and oestrus. A severe loss of physical condition during lactationcan be difficult to correct afterwards, even by generous feeding. So nutritional intakes should be designed to promote fat reserves in gilts before their first mating and to conserve levels of body fat at the end of each lactation.