Effects of dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels on the reproductive performance of Huong sows during the second stage of gestation
The study was conducted at the experimental farm of Thien Thuan Tuong Mineral Exploitation Joint Stock Company (Cam Pha, Quang Ninh) from January 2024 to December 2024. Its aim was to evaluate the effects of crude protein and metabolizable energy levels in the diet on the reproductive performance of Huong sows during the second gestation period. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with 90 Huong sows, divided into 9 treatment groups combining 3 levels of metabolizable energy (2,800; 2,900; and 3,000 Kcal ME/kg) and 3 levels of crude protein (12%, 13%, and 14%). The results showed that metabolizable energy levels significantly affected the reproductive traits of sows. Diets containing 2,900 Kcal ME/kg yielded better reproductive outcomes-including shorter weaning-to-estrus intervals, shorter farrowing intervals, and higher farrowing indices-compared to both lower and higher energy levels. Crude protein levels significantly influenced the birth weight and weaning weight of piglets. The 13% crude protein level produced superior results compared to 12%, and was comparable to 14%. However, litter size at birth and at weaning were not significantly affected by dietary protein or energy levels (P > 0.05). The combination of 13% crude protein and 2,900 Kcal ME/kg metabolizable energy was identified as the optimal dietary formulation for Huong sows in the second gestation period. This combination improved piglet weight and sow farrowing index compared to lower protein and energy levels, and performed equally well or better than higher levels. Additionally, this combination was associated with the lowest incidence of dystocia (≤ 10%).
