This study compared the effects of three different feeding methods on reproductive performances of gestating sows. A total of nine DYL breed sows and nine Myanmar local breed sows were allotted to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) comprised as 2x3 factorial arrangements. During the gestating period, sows were treated with Flat feeding (Diet 1), Three-phase feeding (Diet 2), and Four- phase feeding (Diet 3). Body weight gain of gestating sow from day 0 to 110 was affected by feeding method. Sows fed Diet 2 and Diet 3 treatments had higher (p<0.001) in gestation weight gain than those fed Diet 1 treatment. Gestation backfat gain tended to be lower and total lactation feed intake of sow tended to be higher (p>0.05) in Diet 1 treatment compared with other treatments. When sows were provided with constant feeding (Flat feeding), body weight loss and backfat loss were lowered (p<0.05) during lactation. Feeding methods for gestating sows had no effect (p>0.05) on the number of piglets born and litter weight. These results suggested that higher feed intake in gestating sows had no effect on their reproductive performances. Local breed sows were found to be lower (p<0.001) in lactation feed intake, total feed intake and lactation weight loss, but greater (P<0.001) in piglet’s weight and total backfat gain compared to those of DYL breed. In addition, local breeds were smaller (P<0.001) in litter size and litter weight than the DYL. No interactions between diets and breeds were observed regarding the feed intake, body weight, backfat gain and piglet’s performances. These results showed that flat feeding was more suitable for breeding purpose in Myanmar.

Keywords : Sow; Gestation; Lactation; Breeds, Feeding; Piglet; Litter.