Effect of a Commercial Feed Additive on Sow Feed Disappearance and Litter Performance in Two Maternal Lines

University of Nebraska 2007 Swine Report. One hundred-seventy six parity 2 to 9 line 241 and 482 Danbred NA (Columbus, Neb.) females were used at a parity-segregated commercial farm to evaluate the effect of a feed additive( Luctarom S 5597Z; Lucta S.A., Barcelona, Spain) on sow feed disappearance and litter performance. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial. Control or Luctarom feed was introduced to sows when they were moved into the farrowing quarters four days on average before farrowing. Sows remained on their respective dietary treatment until weaning (average 16.8 days of lactation). Prior to farrowing, sows were limit-fed, but after farrowing they were allowed ad libitum access to feed until weaning. Each sows allotment of feed was weighed prior to dispersal. Feed disappearance was calculated the next morning by weighing any feed that remained in the feeder. Feed disappearance before and following farrowing was not affected by dietary treatment. During the prefarrowing phase, line 482 sows made more feed disappear than line 241 sows (5.90 vs. 4.83 lb/day; P = 0.010). However, during lactation feed disappearance was not different betweenthe lines (P = 0.865). Litter size at birth was not affected by dietary treatment. In conclusion, the feed additive used in the study did not improve sow feed intake or reproductive performance in either maternal line. Producers are encouraged to apply basic management techniques to ensurelactatingsows maximize their feed intake; for example, provide adequate temperature control and feed and water access in the farrowing quarters.