Vegetable oils in sow diets

The purpose of this experiment was to find out the effects of rapeseed oil and soya bean oil added into the feed during late gestation and lactation on the piglet production, the composition of milk, and the condition of sows. The sows farrowed in the experiment two times. There were four feeding groups: control (no added fat), 4 % and 8 % rapeseed oil, and 4 % soya bean oil. The experimental diets were supplemented with extra vitamin E. The sows in all groups fed with the same basic mixture during the first three months of gestation. During late gestation and lactation, the sows received the same amount of digestible raw protein daily, but different amounts of energy depending on the oils added into the feed. The adding of oil into the feed during late gestation and lactation had a positive effect on the number of pigs born alive and on the birth weight of piglets. No direct effect was found on the weight gains of piglets. Oil inclusion in the feed for sows increased slightly the fat content of colostrum and milk. The highest oil level seemed to improve the condition of sows at weaning. Reduced weight losses during lactation probably led to a shorter interval between weaning and the next oestrus.