Precision Feeding Gestating Sows: Effects on Offspring Growth, Immune System Robustness, and Carcass and Meat Quality
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The quality of maternal nutrition for gestating sows has been recognized to have an impact on fetal development and subsequent offspring performance. The effects of precision feeding energy and lysine during gestation to sows over three consecutive parities on offspring post-weaning growth performance, meat and carcass quality, and immune system robustness were evaluated. Litters from precision-fed sows had improved growth performance in the final nursery stage for all three parities. Post-weaning immune response varied depending on parity, while grower-finisher growth performance and carcass and meat quality at ~125 kg body weight, were generally not affected. Therefore, precision feeding sows during gestation can improve offspring nursery growth performance while maintaining subsequent growth and meat and carcass quality not different from the offspring of sows fed conventionally during gestation.