The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of partial substitution of corn with sorghum on the diets of hybrid female pigs during lactation and post-weaning. Twenty-five females were distributed in three treatments with increasing levels of grain sorghum - 0%, 25% and 50% - as partial substitute of the corn. The females were evaluated during the lactation and post-weaning phases, measuring live weight (LW) and age at puberty and LW and backfat thickness (BT). The females were weighed on the 8th, 16th and 25th days of lactation (weaning), simultaneously with the measurement of BT and milk samples for biochemical analysis. Also, the litters were weighed at the same interval. The estrus detection after weaning was determined by the range-topping estrus (days), LW and BT. As for females, there was no effect on LW and BT. As to the piglets number and weight, the females in the control group had a high number of piglets born alive. The daily gain of piglets was higher in litters with treatment with 50% sorghum. There was no difference in the milk analysis. In the post-weaning there were no effects. Thus, it was concluded that grain sorghum can replace corn by 50% on the diet of female pigs during lactation without compromising the productivity and reproductive parameters.
alternative feed; female pigs; reproduction