Journal article

Publication year: 2005

Pages: 717-721

Journal: British Journal of Nutrition

Volume number: 93

Issue number: 5

ISSN: 0007-1145

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN20041402

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Abstract: 
The present study investigated the effect of l-carnitine supplementation during pregnancy (125 mg/d) and lactation (250 mg/d) on milk production, litter gains and back-fat thickness in sows fed a low-energy and low-protein diet during lactation. Sows supplemented with l-carnitine produced more milk on days 11 and 18 of lactation (+18 %; P < 0.05) and had higher litter gains during suckling (+20 %; P < 0.01) than control sows. Loss of body weight during lactation was similar in both groups, but sows supplemented with l-carnitine had a greater reduction of back-fat thickness (+45 %; P < 0.05) during lactation than control sows. In conclusion, this study shows that l-carnitine increases milk production and litter gains in sows in a strongly negative energy and N balance, and enhances body fat mobilisation.

Harvard Citation style: Ramanau, A., Kluge, H. and Eder, K. (2005) Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on milk production, litter gains and back-fat thickness in sows with a low energy and protein intake during lactation, British Journal of Nutrition, 93(5), pp. 717-721. https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN20041402

APA Citation style: Ramanau, A., Kluge, H., & Eder, K. (2005). Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on milk production, litter gains and back-fat thickness in sows with a low energy and protein intake during lactation. British Journal of Nutrition. 93(5), 717-721. https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN20041402