Effects of additional L-carnitine during lactation on sow and litter performance of first parity gilts

Abstract

A total of 107 first parity gilts was used to determine the effects of 50 ppm of added L-carnitine during lactation on sow and litter performance. At farrowing, gilts were fed a milo-soybean meal diet with or without 50 ppm of added L-carnitine. No differences were observed in litter weaning weight or weight gain or changes in sow weight and last rib fat depth during lactation. Although sows fed additional L-carnitine had lower average daily feed intake the first week of lactation, no differences were observed during the second week or in overall average daily feed intake. These results suggest that feeding 50 ppm of added L-carnitine during lactation to first parity gilts did not improve sow or litter performance.