J. Fekete

Influence of the dietary crude protein level during gestation on long term performance of sows and piglets kept in intensive conditions

R Pouline p in Vendome (S.E.A.P.-LT.C.F.), in order to compare two crude protein levels during gestation (12 and 14.5 p. 100). The feed restriction level during gestation was 2.3 kg per day and the feed supplies during lactation were the same for both diets : 4.2 kg of feed including 14.5 p. 100 crude protein. The experiment was made with 219 Large White sows corresponding to 309 and 305 litters, respectively distributed over more than 5 successive reproductive cycles. Weight variation of the sows : the weight of sows at weaning did not exceed 170 kg, which seems to be due to a too severe energy restriction. On the whole, the 14.5 p. 100 diet led to an improvement of the net gain during gestation (+ 5 kg), particularly noticeable during the first two cycles. Weight losses during lactation were high (more than 25 kg) and slighty higher with the 14.5 p. 100 diet than with the 12 p. 100 diet.

Feeding value of protein-rich peas for weaned piglets

Three coordinated trials were made on the utilization of protein rich peas (variety Frimas) in weaned piglets. The incorporation levels were o, 15 , 3o and 45 p. roo depending on the place of the experiment. The dams of the piglets came from « minimal disease )) Large White herds. Piglets were weaned at 26 days, on an average, then kept in a special rearing house in flat deck pens. After an adaptation period of about twelve days, they were fed experimental diets during 4 to 5 weeks. The results of these trials were grouped together and concerned 85 piglets with a mean live weight of 8. 5 kg at the beginning of the experiment and 25 kg at the end. The performance of piglets fed with 30 to 45 p. ioo peas were reduced as compared to the controls. The appetite of piglets was first affected, their feed intake reaching 97 and 83 p. 100 , respectively of that of the controls. Thereafter, the growth rates decreased almost linearly. The feed conversion ratios varied from Io5. to 107 .7 p. roo as compared with diets without peas. Thus, a lower intake was companied by a lower feed efficiency. The performance of piglets fed with diets including 15 p. 100 peas were very close to those