TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
1.2 Statement of Problems
1.3 Research Objectives
1.4 Research Question
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Scope of Study
1.7 Significance of study
1.8 Limitation of study
1.9 Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of study
3.3 Sampling Design and Procedure
3.4 Data Collection Instrument
3.5 Administration of Data Collection Instrument
3.6 Methods of data analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Presentation and Analysis
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Test of Hypothesis
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
Questionnaire
ABSTRACT
Two experiments were conducted at the piggery unit of the Department of Animal Science
Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from July 2007 to March 2009, to determine the effect
of nutrition and body condition at first mating on the reproductive performance of gilts. The
first experiment evaluated the effects of feeding different combinations of protein and energy
diets on age at onset of first observed oestrus, growth rate, backfat reserve and body
condition score of the gilts from weaning to puberty. Fifty-four (54), eight week old weaner
gilts were used for this trial.
They were randomly assigned to nine experimental treatment
diets having different combinations of protein (16%, 18% and 20% crude protein) and energy
(2800 kcal/kg, 3000kcal/kg and 3200kcal/kg) with six (6) gilts per treatment. The gilts in
each treatment were housed in pairs making up three (3) replicates per treatment. Estrus
detection was carried out twice daily at 0800hr and 1600hrs in the presence of mature boar
beginning from the age of five months. Blood samples were collected from two pigs per
treatment by humane puncture of the ear vein for haematological and biochemical analysis. In
addition, two (2) gilts from each treatment were randomly selected, slaughtered and their
reproductive organs excised and examined. Linear body measurements (body length, chest
girth, height at withers and flank-to-flank) were also recorded. Data collected were analyzed
according to factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD)
whereas stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to generate prediction
equations between body weight and linear body measurements. In experiment 2, eighteen
(18) gilts with different body conditions and backfat thickness were selected and assigned to
experimental treatments with six gilts per treatment. All the gilts were weighed and mated
twice at the second observed estrus.
Pregnancy was confirmed by the gilt not returning to
heat after 21 days of observation for signs of heat after breeding. Gilts were fed 2.1 kg of an
18% CP diet daily throughout gestation. Their feed was increased to 3.0 kg of feed daily