Field trial with local bred sows in Spain

Introduction
A field trial was conducted in Spain at a local farm with 400 sows. The breed was local, Batallé. The barn was divided in 2 gestation stables, 2 lactation stables and 2 transition stables. The average fertility score was 93% and an average of 12,5 piglets per litter per sow was born. Piglets were weaned after 28 days and were around 6 kilos at weaning.

Method & Materials
The trial was run in two rounds with 50 sows per round. In each round the sows were divided in the two treatment groups at random.

The first treatment group received the control diet without any butyric acid source. The second treatment group received the same diet with addition of ProPhorce SR 130 at a dosage of 1 kg/ton. Both groups received the same feed and management schedules.

All performance and reproductive data were monitored during the lactation period. For the sows body condition was measured after weaning. Gilts were not taken into account for these measurements.

Results

Conclusion

Addition of ProPhorce SR delivered:

• Improved amount of piglets weaned per sow per litter
• A higher average weight of the piglets at weaning, ±200 grams
• Less mortality, a decrease of 5%
• A better sow body condition after weaning, less fat loss
• A shorter interval to insemination