Reproductive and Growth Physiology of Sows and Piglets on Dietary Selenium (Se) Supplementation
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Abstract
This study determined the effect of dietary selenium (Se) supplementation on the reproductive performance of sows and preweaning growth performance of their piglets. Twelve cross bred (Landrace × Large White) gestating sows were randomly assigned to four groups (G) according to the levels of dietary selenium supplementation. Group 0 (G0) sows were fed basal diet without Se supplementation throughout gestation whereas sows in other groups received 0.30 mgSe/kg in feed at 2nd trimester (G1) and 3rd trimester (G2) and then during lactation (G3). Selenium supplementation had no effect (P>0.05) on sow body weight during gestation and lactation, respectively. Litter size at birth was not different (P>0.05) between groups. Litter size was higher (P<0.05) at weaning when sows diet was supplemented with Se at 3rd trimester and during lactation. The piglet growth rate and weaning weight were higher (P<0.05) in Se supplemented groups especially in G2 and G3 sows. The supplementation of breeding sows diet with 0.30 mgSe/kg at 3rd trimester of gestation and during lactation phase improved litter size at weaning, piglet growth rate and weaning weight.
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