Supplementation with Tributyrin for Gestating Sows Reduces Stillborn Rate and Increases Litter Birth Weight

This study evaluated the performance of gestating and lactating sows supplemented with tributyrin from gestation until the end of lactation. Additionally, it assessed the effects of this supplementation on pig growth performance during the nursery phase. A total of 148 commercial-line sows (DB90 Brasil; parity 1-4; initial weight: 201.7 ± 12.2 kg) were used during gestation and lactation, along with 180 weaned pigs. A randomized block design was utilized with two dietary treatments during gestation and lactation, and a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement during the nursery phase. Data on sow body composition and productivity during gestation and lactation, as well as piglet performance during nursery, were collected. Treatment effects and interactions were analyzed using ANOVA with the MIXED procedure of SAS Version 9.0 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Sows fed tributyrin tended to weigh 3.05 kg more (p = 0.053) and had 6.51% less backfat accumulation prepartum (p = 0.099). Supplementation reduced stillborns by 35.47% (p = 0.032) and increased litter weight at birth by 10.14% (p = 0.018). Additionally, there was a trend toward an 18.73% reduction in weight variability (p = 0.053) with more piglets weighing ≥1.4 kg. Sow and litter performance during lactation were not affected. Piglets from sows supplemented with tributyrin showed a trend for higher feed intake immediately post-weaning (p = 0.056). Tributyrin supplementation during gestation reduced stillborn rates and increased litter weight at birth.