Effect of Protein Consumption by the Growing Gilt Upon Puberty, Ovulation and Reproduction

Low protein diets have been shown to significantly decrease daily weight gain of the growing pig, resulting in the pig reaching market weight at a later age. At the same time body weight has been credited with influencing the age at which gilts reach puberty and exhibit their first estrus. If replacement gilts could be fed a low protein diets during the growing period resulting in a smaller more practical sow without affecting puberty or subsequent reproductive performance, feed costs could be significantly reduced. The experiment reported herein was designed to determine the effect of a 14% protein diet and a 10% protein diet from 100 lb. to farrowing on weight gain, puberty and reproductive performance of gilts