Suplementação de betacaroteno para fêmeas suínas: parâmetros reprodutivos e desempenho produtivo dos leitões na maternidade

Abstract

Beta-carotene supplementation was evaluated in sows of different birth orders, on reproductive parameters and performance of piglets at farrowing. Animals were distributed in a 3x4 factorial arrangement of 3 supplementation levels (B0 - diet without beta-carotene supplementation, B200 - diet supplemented with 200 mg beta-carotene per animal per day and B400 - diet supplemented with 400 mg beta-carotene per animal per day) and 4 groups of parity orders. The experimental period lasted 196 days, with the females supplemented for 30 days in the prepartum period, 23 days of lactation, 5 days of flushing, 115 days of gestation and 23 days of lactation. In the subsequent period of pregnancy and lactation, females were grouped into 2nd, 3rd, 4th and above 5th order of delivery. Thus, females were evaluated considering the period

of 53 and 196 days of beta-carotene supplementation. At the end of the first lactation, beta- carotene supplementation resulted in an effect on the litter weight at weaning and daily weight

gain of the litter. After the total supplementation period, a higher average weight of piglet and litter weight at birth was observed, as well as a greater number of piglets weaned, litter weight at weaning in sows supplemented with 400mg beta-carotene. Supplementation with 200 and 400 mg beta-carotene for sows resulted in greater weight at weaning and daily weight gain in piglets, compared to piglets from non-supplemented sows. Daily supplementation with 400 mg beta-carotene in the prepartum and lactation phases provides greater litter weight at weaning and when supplemented in the pre-gestation and gestation periods results in greater litter weight at birth and at weaning.