Effect of dietary calcium concentrations during gestation and lactation in the sow on milk composition and litter growth.

This study evaluated the effects of interaction was detected for total protein or casein diets containing varying amounts of Ca on milk concentrations. Calcium increased ( P < .05) over time composition and litter characteristics of sows. Yorkirrespective of treatment. There was an increase ( P < shire sows were fed one of the following diets: low Ca .05) in ADG on d 7 in pigs from high-fed ( .28 kg) and (.38%; n = 51, standard Ca (.75%; n = 51, or high Ca low-fed sows (.20 kg) compared with those from (1.12%; n = 4) . Diets were fed from d 42 of gestation standard-fed sows ( .13 kg). In conclusion, body Ca is to d 42 of lactation. Milk was collected on d 7 f 1, 21 k so physiologically regulated that minor dietary altera1, and 42 k 1 of lactation. Lactose was greater (6.4%, tions have little overall effect on milk composition. P < .05) in milk from sows fed low Ca than in those Alterations in ADG for pigs, especially from sows fed fed standard ( 5 . 5 % ) or high (5.8%) Ca, but only on d high Ca, warrant further investigation. 7 of lactation. No treatment effect or time x treatment