Avaliação e validação de um sistema eletrônico de alimentação e do uso de balança de precisão para fêmeas suínas de alta produção em lactação

Abstract

Genetic selection of sows has led to a significant increase in productivity, but this has been accompanied by greater metabolic and nutritional demands, particularly during lactation, when feed intake may be limited by factors such as parity, environment, and feeding management. The use of electronic feeders and automated weighing platforms can be utilized to monitor feeding behavior and provide accurate data on the performance of sows and their litters throughout lactation. Study 1 aimed to compare the performance of young and adult sows during lactation and to propose a model for estimating the weight of the sow and her piglets. A total of 20 sows from the same genetic line were used and divided into two categories: young (n=10; Parity 1) and adults (n=10; Parity 3 and 4). The sows were housed at day 110 of gestation in farrowing crates equipped with an automated intelligent feeder and precision scales. Climatic, physiological and biochemical variables of blood and backfat thickness were monitored throughout lactation. Milk samples were analyzed for amino acid profiles, and the weight of the sows and piglets was recorded using an automated weighing system. The weight database was processed using a structured model programmed to estimate the weight of the sow and her litter. Performance was evaluated in terms of feed intake, sow weight loss, and piglet growth. The use of precision scales combined with the development of a model to estimate weights proved to be a promising tool for continuous monitoring of the performance of sows and their litters. Multiparous sows tended to have better productive performance, with heavier litters and lower body weight losses, demonstrating a greater adaptive capacity to the demands of lactation. Study 2 evaluated the feeding behavior kinetics of sows throughout lactation under tropical climate conditions. Feed intake was numerically higher in adult sows compared to young sows during lactation. A defined biphasic feed intake pattern was observed in the animals. The reduction in feed intake of lactating sows housed in tropical environments is associated with the combined effects of high temperature and humidity, negatively impacting their performance. Thus, the development and use of technologies such as precision scales and automated intelligent feeders for lactating sows provide a large volume of information that can be used to estimate the weight of animals throughout lactation, in addition to knowledge of the feeding behavior of sows.