Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on milk production, litter gains and back-fat thickness in sows with a low energy and protein intake during lactation.
The present study investigated the effect of L-carnitine supplementation during pregnancy (125 mg/d) and lactation (250 mg/d) on milk production, litter gains and back-fat thickness in sows fed a low-energy and low-protein diet during lactation. Sows supplemented with L-carnitine produced more milk on days 11 and 18 of lactation (+18 %; P<0.05) and had higher litter gains during suckling (+20 %; P<0.01) than control sows. Loss of body weight during lactation was similar in both groups, but sows supplemented with L-carnitine had a greater reduction of back-fat thickness (+45 %; P<0.05) during lactation than control sows. In conclusion, this study shows that L-carnitine increases milk production and litter gains in sows in a strongly negative energy and N balance, and enhances body fat mobilisation.
Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
A
A
Ramanau
H
H
Kluge
K
K
Eder
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D000821:Animal Feed; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling; D001835:Body Weight; D002331:Carnitine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D013552:Swine / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D002331:Carnitine