The effects of branched-chain amino acids on sow and litter performance

Sows (n = 306; PIC, Line C-19; average parity 2.1) were used to evaluate the interrelationship between valine, isoleucine, and leucine on sow and litter performance. Our objective was to determine whether the increase in litter weaning weight associated with added dietary valine is specific for valine or a result of the total branched-chain amino acid (i.e., isoleucine and[or] leucine) concentration of the diet. Eight dietary treatments (36 to 41 sows/treatment) were arranged as a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial with two levels of valine (.80 and 1.20%), isoleucine (.68 and 1.08%), and leucine (1.57 and 1.97%). This provided total branched-chain amino acid levels of 3.05, 3.45, 3.85, and 4.25%. The lowest level of each branched-chain amino acid was similar to that in a .90% lysine corn-soybean meal diet containing .15% L-lysine HCl. Amino acids other than valine, isoleucine, and leucine met or exceeded their suggested estimates relative to lysine using ratios derived from the National and Agricultural Research Councils. Average number of pigs on d 2 of lactation was 11.2, and average lactation length was 20.9 d. Number of pigs weaned (x = 10.6), sow ADFI (x = 5.85 kg), and sow weight loss (x = 4.25 kg) were not affected by dietary treatment (P > .10). Sow backfat loss (P < .02), litter weaning weight (P < .04), and litter weight gain from d 2 to weaning (P > .05) increased as dietary valine increased. Litter weight at weaning and litter weight gain were not affected by dietary isoleucine (P > .80) or leucine (P > .60). Sixteen or 17 sows per treatment (129 total) were milked manually on d 14 to 16 of lactation. Increasing dietary valine tended to increase milk urea N (P < .07) but did not affect milk DM, CP, fat, lactose, or ash. Increasing dietary isoleucine or leucine had no effects on milk composition. These results confirm the importance of dietary valine for increased litter weaning weight, independent of either additional dietary leucine or isoleucine.