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Beta-glucans supplementation for sows during gestation and lactation.
Julia Delpupo Coelho1, Pedro Henrique Watanabe1, Tiago Silva Andrade2
1Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Animal Bioscience
|February 4, 2025
Summary
Dietary beta-glucans supplementation did not impact sow and litter performance. However, third-parity sows showed improved litter weight, weight gain, colostrum quality, and immunoglobulin G levels compared to younger sows.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Dietary beta-glucans are known for their immunomodulatory and performance-enhancing properties in livestock.
- Understanding the impact of beta-glucans across different parities is crucial for optimizing sow nutrition and piglet health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary beta-glucans on sows and litters performance, milk composition, and immune markers.
- To assess the influence of beta-glucans supplementation on sows of varying parities (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) during gestation and lactation.
Main Methods:
- 78 sows were assigned to a 2x3 factorial design with two beta-glucan levels (0 and 450 mg/kg) and three parity groups.
- Evaluated sow and litter performance, colostrum Brix value, hemogram, and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) in sows and piglets.
Main Results:
- No significant interaction was found between beta-glucan supplementation and parity for any measured variable.
- Beta-glucan supplementation did not affect sow reproductive performance, litter performance, or immune response.
- Third-parity sows exhibited heavier litters at farrowing, greater weight gain, higher colostrum Brix values, and elevated serum IgG compared to 1st and 2nd parity sows.
Conclusions:
- Dietary beta-glucans supplementation does not influence the performance of sows or litters across different parities.
- Parity is a significant factor, with third-parity sows demonstrating superior performance and immune status.
- Further research may explore specific beta-glucan sources or dosages for potential parity-specific benefits.
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