Oregano improves reproductive performance of sows

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Natural Product Research

Background:

• Growing interest in natural alternatives to antimicrobials in livestock.
• Need for evidence-based strategies to improve sow productivity and health.
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is recognized for potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of dietary oregano supplementation on sow performance and mortality under field conditions.
• To assess the efficacy of oregano in prefarrowing and lactation diets.

Main Methods:

• Field study involving 801 oregano-treated sows and 1809 control sows.
• Oregano (1000 ppm) added to prefarrowing and lactation diets.
• Data collected on sow mortality, culling, farrowing rate, litter size, stillbirths, and feed intake.

Main Results:

• Oregano-fed sows exhibited significantly lower annual mortality (4.02% vs. 6.92%) and lactation culling rates (8.01% vs. 14.02%).
• Improved farrowing rate (77.02% vs. 69.91%) and increased liveborn piglets per litter (10.49 vs. 9.95) were observed.
• A decreased stillbirth rate and higher voluntary feed intake in multiparous sows were noted with oregano supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Dietary oregano supplementation positively impacts sow health and reproductive performance.
• Oregano demonstrates potential as a natural alternative to antimicrobials in swine diets.
• Further research is recommended to explore oregano's mechanisms of action and safety in swine.