Українська версія | English version
Interinstitutional Thematic Scientific Collection PIG BREEDING

and agroindustrial production

TESTING OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEEDING METHODS FOR BREEDING HERD PIGS UNDER CONDITIONS OF LIMITED FEED RESOURCES


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UDC: 636.4.085:620.9

DOI: 10.37143/2786-7730-2026-7(85)1

REFERENCIS АРА style:Arapaki. S. S., & Susol, R. L. (2026). Testing of energy-efficient feeding methods for breeding herd pigs under conditions of limited feed resources. Svynarstvo i Ahropromyslove Vyrobnytstvo [Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production]. Poltava, 7(85), 7–19 [in Ukrainіаn]. https://doi.org/10.37143/2786-7730-2026- 7(85)1

R. L. Susol Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of the Department of Production and Processing Technology livestock products
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2395-1282
E-mail:r.susol@ukr.net
Institute of Pig Breeding and agroindustrial production NAAS, Shvedska Mohyla Str., 1, Poltava, Ukraine, 36009 ROR: https://ror.org/00r693281
С. С. Арапакі PhD student, Department of Livestock Production and Processing Technology, Odesa State Agrarian University
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6672-3526
E-mail:s.arapaki87@gmail.com
Odessa State Agrarian University, 99 Kanatnaya Str. 99, Odesa, Ukraine, 65039 ROR: https://ror.org/000kkaz97

Manuscript was received/ 10.05.2026

Received after review/ 28.05.2026

Accepted for printing/ 22.06.2026

Available online/ 30.06.2026

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate energy-saving feeding strategies for the main herd of pigs under conditions of limited feed resources, using the ‘ideal protein’ principle for boars and sows of various ages. Methods. The scientific and economic study was conducted in accordance with standard methods used in pig farming, involving first-litter sows of hybrid origin (F1 ½: Large White × Landrace) and terminal breeding boars. Control and experimental groups of animals were formed using the matched-pairs principle. Boars and sows in the control groups were fed standard balanced diets, whilst animals in the experimental groups were fed compound feed with a reduced crude protein content and an increased content of crystalline lysine, in accordance with the ‘ideal protein’ concept. Upon completion of the second lactation, sows in the control and experimental groups were fed identical standard diets. Reproductive performance and productive characteristics of the sows were assessed during farrowings I–IV. For breeding boars, feed intake was measured, body condition and reproductive capacity were assessed, and the survival rate of the breeding stock relative to the start of their use was determined. Results. An analysis of the reproductive capacity and productivity of sows under conditions of reduced protein intake, whilst optimising lysine levels by using a crystalline lysine supplement, revealed no significant deterioration or improvement in the parameters studied. However, for breeding boars, a crude protein deficiency, even when partially compensated for by lysine, had significantly more critical consequences, as spermatogenesis is one of the most amino acid-dependent biological processes in the pig’s body. A significant deterioration was observed in sperm production parameters such as ejaculate volume and sperm concentration. Conclusions. Practical modelling and testing of energy-saving feeding strategies for the main herd of pigs (boars and sows of various ages) under conditions of limited feed resources have demonstrated that applying the ‘ideal protein’ principle to animals in these groups is entirely feasible, however, it should be regarded as a necessary measure for a short period – for example, one reproductive cycle of sows.

Key words: pigs, feed shortage, energy-efficient feeding, crude protein, amino acid nutrition, reproduction, productivity, sows, breeding boars.

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