부산대학교 도서관

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between daily feed intake during the lactation period and the wean-to-estrus interval of sows and to determine the optimum quantity of daily feed intake required for a normal wean-to-estrus interval. Data for daily feed intake were collected from 640 lactating sows using an automatic feeding system. The wean-to-estrus interval for each sow was also recorded. Based on the collected daily feed intake data, the sows were divided into seven groups based on daily feed intake levels ranging from 3,260 g/d to 8,292 g/d. The wean-to-estrus interval had negative correlations (p < 0.05) with parity (r = -0.129) and daily feed intake (r = -0.124). As daily feed intake increased, the wean-to-estrus interval quadratically decreased (p < 0.001). A one-slope broken-line analysis estimated that a minimum daily feed intake of approximately 6.0 kg was necessary for a normal wean-to-estrus interval in lactating sows. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of daily feed intake during the lactation period influencing the wean-to-estrus interval of sows. Proper feeding management practices should be implemented to ensure a minimum daily feed intake of at least 6.0 kg for optimal wean-to-estrus interval of sows.