Sampling and measurements

Feed samples (in duplicates) including sows gestation and lactation diets, progeny weaning (phase 1, 2, and 3 diets), growing (phase 1, and 2 diets) and finishing diet were analyzed for crude fat (method 954.02), ash (method 942.05), acid detergent fiber (method 973.18), amino acids (method 982.30E), calcium (method 984.01) and phosphorous (method 965.17) following the procedures established by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) [17]. The neutral detergent fiber assayed with heat stable amylase was determined using the method of Van Soest et al [18]. The gross energy was determined using bomb calorimeter (Mode 1241; Parr Instrument Co., Moline, IL, USA).