The effect of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles on sow performance, fatty acid profiles and sausage quality

Cull sows (N=90, parity = 3+) were blocked by initial BW, breeding date and were assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments to assess the impact of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) during gestation and lactation on sow performance and carcass quality. A factorial arrangement created 9 dietary treatments: (1) 0% gestation diet, 0% lactation diet; (2) 0% gestation diet, 15% DDGS lactation diet; (3) 0% gestation diet, 30% DDGS lactation diet; (4) 15% DDGS gestation diet, 0% lactation diet; (5) 15% DDGS gestation diet, 15% DDGS lactation diet; (6) 15% DDGS gestation diet, 30% DDGS lactation diet; (7) 30% DDGS gestation diet, 0% lactation diet; (8) 30% DDGS gestation diet, 15% DDGS lactation diet; (9) 30% DDGS gestation diet, 30% DDGS lactation diet. Individual sow BW and backfat thickness were recorded initially (d 56 mid-gestation), d 0 of lactation, at weaning, and d 8 post-weaning. Individual sow’s litter performance was recorded (number born, number born alive, number weaned, litter weaning weight and days of lactation). Litter size was adjusted to 9 piglets by d 2 of lactation. Postweaning, sows were transferred back to gestation crates for an 8 d drying period prior to slaughter. Sows were harvested 8 d following weaning at a commercial processing plant and samples of lean and fat were collected for fatty acid profiles. Bratwurst and breakfast links were prepared and assessed for quality, color, cooking characteristics and taste panel evaluation