The effect of salinomycin on certain blood parameters and milk quality of lactating sows

Twenty-five gilts and sows, after pregnancy confirmation using the ultrasonic method, were randomly divided and allocated to the following five experimental groups: SAL0 = negative controls, SAL20 = 20 mg salinomycin per kg of feed, SAL40 = 40 mg salinomycin per kg of feed, SAL60 = 60 mg salinomycin per kg of feed and SAL80 = 80 mg salinomycin per kg of feed. All animals remained under treatment for two consecutive breeding cycles. The sows were fed a home-mixed balanced feed during gestations and lactations. At the third, tenth and eighteenth day of each lactation, blood and milk samples were collected. Blood samples were analysed for cholesterol and total lipids and milk samples were analysed for the determination of the fat, lactose, protein, ash and totals solids concentrations. In all treated groups, cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with the controls. Total lipid concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SAL40 and SAL60 groups in comparison with SAL0 and SAL20 groups, during both cycles. Milk fat concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in treated groups than in the control group; the highest concentrations were observed at SAL40 and SAL60 groups. In all treated groups, concentrations of milk lactose were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those observed in the negative control group. Milk protein concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SAL40 and SAL60 groups compared with the SAL0 group, but there was no significant difference in SAL20 and SAL80 groups in comparison with the SAL0 group. No significant differences were observed concerning milk ash concentrations between all groups. In all treated groups, concentrations of total solids were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in comparison with the control group; the highest concentrations were observed in the SAL40 and SAL60 groups. It is concluded that the use of salinomycin in sow diet, increases concentrations of blood triglycerides and cholesterol and improves the quality of milk, thus reflecting on higher weight gain and survival rate of suckling piglets.