Abstract

ORDAZ OCHOA, Gerardo et al. Productive evaluation and cost:benefit analysis of lactating sows fed a diet containing nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica). Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2019, vol.10, n.4, pp.1027-1041.  Epub Apr 30, 2020. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v10i4.4932.

Postpartum sows can suffer from hypophagia, which negatively effects productive and reproductive performance. An evaluation was done of productivity, production costs and the cost:benefit ratio in lactating hybrid sows administered one of two feeding regimes (FR): 1) conventional feed (CFR); and, 2) conventional feed with added cladodes of nopal Opuntia ficus-indica (OFR). A total of 116 parturitions were evaluated: 58 in the CFR (n= 17 sows), and 58 in the OFR (n= 17 sows). Seven variables were recorded: blood glucose (BG); daily feed intake (FId-1); body weight loss (BWL), weaning-estrus interval (WEI); repeated services percentage (RSP); non-productive days (NPD); and subsequent litter size (LS). Statistical analysis was done with the Fixed Effects Models (MIXED SAS®) and economic evaluation with the cost-benefit analysis methodology. Compared to the CFR, sows in the OFR performed better (P<0.05) in terms of having lower preprandial BG (55.5 x 2.31 mg dL-1), higher FId-1 (5.3 x 0.17 kg d-1); lower BWL (6.0 %), WE (144 h), RSP (12.4 %) and NPD (36.0 d), and higher LS (11.2 piglets). Values in the WEI sows were preprandial BG (70.0 x 2.31 mg dL-1); FId-1 (4.7 x 0.17 kg d-1); BWL (11.7 %); RSP (17.1%); NPD (50.0 d); and LS (9.8 piglets). The production cost weaned piglet-1 was $539.02 MXN in the OFR vs $590.81 MXN in the CFR, while profit sold piglet-1 was $216.68 MXN in the OFR vs $168.88 MXN. Inclusion of nopal in the diet of lactating sows reduced blood glucose levels and increased daily feed intake, thus lowering body weight loss in this stage and generating greater sow productivity and economic efficiency.

Keywords : Cladode; Piglet; Glucose; Profitability.

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