REVIEW PAPER
Methodological considerations as to quantify
nutrient and energy metabolism in lactating sows
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Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences,
Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, Research Centre Foulum,
DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
Publication date: 2005-06-21
Corresponding author
K. Jakobsen
Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences,
Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, Research Centre Foulum,
DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2005;14(Suppl. 1):31-47
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy metabolism were studied in 8 lactating sows with their
litters. Intake of nutrients and energy and excretion in faeces, urine and milk were studied in
digestibility and nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) balances, while indirect calorimetry was used to
quantify heat (HE) and methane (CH4) production. As the piglets have to join the sow during
measurements total HE (sow + piglets) was measured. In order to separate total HE into sow HE and
piglet HE different methods were used. The sow milk production was measured by deuterated water
(D2O) dilution. By using doubly labelled water (D218O) in three piglets per litter, the CO2 production
of the piglets was measured simultaneously with milk production with high accuracy. The sow
HE was measured from heart rate by implantation of a telemetric transmitter. In addition total HE
could be separated into sow HE and piglet HE by dividing the gas exchange according to metabolic
liveweight (LW, kg0.75) of sow and piglets and by using factorial methods for sow and piglets. The
physical activity of the sow was recorded by means of a photocell. Advantages and disadvantages
by using the different methods are discussed.
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