Sequential feeding system with nutritional adjustments for swine Growth and Termination phases of two genetic lines submitted to cyclical heat stress

Abstract

High ambient temperature is among the most important climatic factors influencing the performance of pigs, with behavioral, physiological and metabolic impacts. The analysis of the feeding behavior allows a better understanding about the effects of cyclical heat stress, a condition commonly occurring in Brazil. In this context, the aim of this project is to deepen the feeding behavior study previously proposed to FAPESP (Process No. 2016/08682-1) by performing the statistical analysis of the experiment data, and discussion of the results in association with international research groups. In the project originally submitted to FAPESP, we have proposed to integrate the behavioral analysis and the putative effects of sequential feeding system on pigs submitted to cyclical heat stress, in order, to explore the variation in the data. To achieve the initial goals, the present project proposes an international partnership to evaluate the sequential feeding system for two genetic lines of pigs in the growth and finishing phases submitted to cyclical heat stress. If successful, the application of this technique may fill gaps in this study area, and the obtained results can be used in future projects searching for solutions of the negative impacts of the heat stress. Besides the better understanding of the data, this study aims the development of researches on the pillars of the animal production: nutrition, genetics, environment and animal welfare. Additionally, the sandwich period will allow discussing the data obtained in the Automatic Feeding and Intelligent Precision Feeder Systems with international researchers specialized in this study area, with this knowledge being applied to FCAV-UNESP. (AU)