Effects of S-Abscisic Acid on Reproductive Performance in Sows

This study evaluated the effects of dietary S-abscisic acid (S-ABA) supplementation on reproductive performance and piglet growth in multiparous sows under commercial farming conditions. A total of 65 Landrace × Yorkshire multiparous sows were allocated to one of three dietary treatments: a basal diet (control); a basal diet supplemented with 1 ppm S-ABA; or a basal diet supplemented with 10 ppm S-ABA. The experimental period was set from weaning through the subsequent weaning (approximately 147 days), encompassing the non-pregnant, gestation, and lactation phases. Reproductive performance parameters, including the number of piglets born, the number of piglets weaned, and piglet body weight at birth and at weaning, were recorded, in addition to general health observations of sows and piglets. 1 ppm S-ABA supplementation significantly increased the number of piglets born compared to control (p < 0.05). Both 1 ppm and 10 ppm S-ABA supplementation resulted in a significantly higher number of piglets weaned (p < 0.05) and average piglet weaning weight (p < 0.01) compared with control, with no apparent differences in measured piglet survival outcomes among treatment groups. No additional benefits were observed when the supplementation level was increased from 1 ppm to 10 ppm. These findings suggest that dietary S-ABA supplementation at low inclusion levels may positively influence sow reproductive performance and piglet growth under practical feeding conditions.