Efecto del incremento del alimento en la última etapa de gestación sobre el peso del lechón al nacimiento

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increased feed intake during the final stage of gestation on piglet birth weight. The research was conducted at Santa Inés Farm, part of the Technical University of Machala, using a completely randomized design with two treatments: T1 (standard feeding) and T2 (25% increase in daily diet). A total of 13 pregnant sows were studied, analyzing variables such as piglet birth weight, maternal weight before and after farrowing, and weight variation between these moments. For statistical analysis, a DCA was applied, using ANOVA after verifying normality and homogeneity assumptions. Fisher's LSD test was used to determine significant differences between treatment means, with a 95% confidence level. Data were processed using the Statgraphics Centurion XV.I® software. The results indicated that piglets from sows in T2 had a significantly higher birth weight than those in T1 (p < 0.05). However, increased feed intake did not result in statistically significant changes in maternal weight before and after farrowing, suggesting that sows regulated nutrient distribution without substantial body weight gain. It is concluded that increasing feed intake during late gestation may be a viable strategy to improve piglet birth weight without negatively affecting the sow's body condition. However, further research is recommended to assess its long-term effects on reproductive efficiency and milk production during lactation, aiming to optimize nutritional strategies for pregnant sows.