Determining appropriate levels of protein and metabolizable energy in the diet of Muong Te sows during the lactation period
This study was conducted to determine the appropriate levels of protein and metabolizable energy (ME) for Muong Te sows during the lactation period. Two experimental diets with ME levels of 3,109 and 3,018 kcal/kg and crude protein (CP) levels of 14.17% and 15.14% were applied under two rearing systems (confined housing and semi-grazing). The results showed that the rearing system had a significant effect (P<0.05) on weaning weight, revenue, and profit. Sows raised in confinement achieved an average weaning weight of 4.95 kg/piglet, higher than 4.39 kg/piglet in the semi-grazing system. The number of piglets weaned per litter did not differ significantly (P>0.05). The weaning-to-estrus interval was 1.5 days shorter in confined sows compared to semi-grazing ones. The highest revenue and profit were observed in confined sows fed diet 2 (6.409 million VND/litter and 4.952 million VND/litter, respectively). The findings suggest that the confined rearing system combined with diet 2 (ME ≈ 3,018 Kcal/kg; CP 15.14%) provides optimal reproductive and economic performance for Muong Te sows, while diet 1 (ME ≈ 3,109 kcal/kg; CP 14.17%) is more cost-effective under semi-grazing conditions.
