Effect of prepubertal feeding regimen on reproductive development of gilts

The effect of prepubertal feed level on growth and reproductive development of gilts was investigated. At 13 wk of age, white crossbred gilts were penned individually and assigned to the following treatments: Ad lib, ad libitum intake from 13 to 25 wk of age (n = 64); Control, ad libitum intake from 13 wk of age until 100 kg BW and then 90% of ad libitum intake until 25 wk of age (n = 65); and Restricted, 74% of ad libitum intake from 13 wk to 25 wk of age (n = 64). Feed was formulated to primarily restrict energy intake. The study was replicated in two seasons. At 25 wk of age, gilts were moved to group pens, approximately 16 gilts/pen, allowed ad libitum access to feed, and estrus detection was initiated. Gilts were mated at first estrus and those recycling were remated. After mating, gilts were moved to gestation stalls and fed 1.5x maintenance. At 30 d of gestation, reproductive tracts were harvested, and numbers of corpora lutea (CL) and live embryos were recorded. From 13 to 25 wk of age, feed consumption was 258 for Ad lib, 251 for Control, and 189 kg/gilt for Restricted, and, from 13 wk of age until 30 d of gestation, total feed consumption was 367 for Ad lib, 356 for Control, and 299 kg/gilt for Restricted gilts. Age at puberty (196 d) and pregnancy (200 d) was not affected (P > .18) by treatment. However, the rate at which gilts attained puberty (e.g., percentage pubertal at 28 d) was greatest in Ad lib (75) and least in Control (61) gilts. Number of CL and live embryos at 30 d of gestation/gilt assigned to the study was unaffected (P > .21) by treatment. Quantity of feed consumed from 13 wk of age to 30 d of gestation per live embryo in gilts assigned to the study was 40.0 for Ad lib, 39.8 for Control, and 30.6 kg/gilt for Restricted gilts. These results indicate that moderate feed restriction of gilts during prepubertal development may increase efficiency of swine production without negative impact on reproductive performance through 30 d of gestation.