Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Reproductive Performance of Gilts

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the supplementation of compound feed during rearing and before serving of gilts with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) influences the organometric parameters of their reproductive system and their reproductive performance. The experimental work was carried out in operating conditions of a production pig farm. Total number of 80 gilts (40 gilts in control group and 40 gilts in experimental group) of hybrid combination Czech Large White x Czech Landrace (CLW x CL) were included in the observation. During the experiment the gilts were fed with a control compound feed and an experimental compound feed suplemented with 2% of CLA for the time of 65 days. After insemination, 20 gilts from both groups were selected randomly, in which organometric parameters of reproductive system were evaluated post mortem. Remaining gilts were tested for their reproductive performance on the first litter. Based on gained results it can be concluded, that the CLA supplementation decreases the mean age of gilts at the time of first service (P < 0.05). The same group recorded trend of higher numbers of ovulated oocytes and collected embryos, however the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Neither statistically significant differences were found in organometric parameters of the reproductive system (P > 0.05). Evaluation of reproductive performance parametres revealed reaching better results in the experimental group (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the supplementation of diet for gilts during rearing with CLA can improve their reproductive performance.