Lactation performance and fecal microbiome of sows supplemented with antioxidant-rich polyherbal extract

Giovani Frederico ^1,2, Monike Willemin Quirino ², Ines Andretta ³

⁰Agroceres Multimix, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.

Tropical Animal Health and Production +

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June 11, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Antioxidant-rich herbal extract supplementation improved sow lactation performance, increasing milk production and piglet weight gain while reducing mortality. The supplement also altered sow fecal microbiome composition, indicating potential gut health benefits.

Area Of Science

Animal Science
Veterinary Medicine
Microbiology

Background

Sow lactation performance is crucial for piglet survival and growth.
Antioxidants may play a role in mitigating stress and improving metabolic health during lactation.
Understanding the impact of dietary supplements on the sow gut microbiome is essential for optimizing animal health.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the effects of an antioxidant-rich herbal extract on sow lactation performance.
To assess the impact of the herbal extract on piglet growth and mortality.
To analyze the changes in the fecal microbiome of sows supplemented with the herbal extract.

Main Methods

Ninety-five sows were divided into control and herbal extract-supplemented groups from gestation day 110 to weaning.
Lactation performance, piglet mortality, weight gain, and weaning weight were recorded.
Sow body condition, serum biochemical parameters, and fecal microbiome composition were analyzed.

Main Results

Supplemented sows exhibited increased milk production (11.0 kg/day vs. 9.9 kg/day).
Piglets from supplemented sows showed reduced pre-weaning mortality (0.72% vs. 1.23%), higher weight gain, and greater weaning weight.
Fecal analysis revealed a higher abundance of Enterobacteriales and Enterobacteriaceae in supplemented sows.

Conclusions

Antioxidant supplementation via herbal extract improved litter performance and sow milk production.
The supplementation altered the sow fecal microbiome, with increased Enterobacteriales and Enterobacteriaceae.
Further research under more extreme environmental conditions is warranted to fully understand the benefits.

Keywords:

Antioxidants Lactation Litter performance Microbiome Oxidative stress Pigs