Vinasse in the diet of lactating sows and its effect on litter

ABSTRACT.

The aim of this study was to verify the impact of adding vinasse as an acidifier in sows diet during the lactating period and its effect on litter. A total of 14 agroceres females were used from the first day of lactation until weaning. The vinasse was obtained in a mill near the experimental facility and was stored in sterilized barrels. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design into two treatments: control liquid diet and liquid diet with the inclusion of vinasse in each feed supply of the day. The diets were supplied four times a day, containing a mixture of ½ L of vinasse and ½ L of water. Feed leftovers were weighted daily. Feed intake was used to evaluate sows’ performance. The piglets were weighted every week after birth until weaning in order to obtain weight gain. Vinasse inclusion showed an increase (p < 0.05) in feed intake of lactating sows, improving diet palatability. Inclusion of acidifier in the diet did not show (p > 0.05) difference in weight gain of piglets. Vinasse consumption by sows did not influence litter performance. The inclusion of vinasse in the diet of lactating sows is beneficial because increases feed consumption.

Keywords:
acidifiers; sows; progeny; sugarcane stillage