Dietary fiber sources affect reproductive and lactation outcomes and colostrum protein concentration in sows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing different dietary fiber sources during late gestation. A total of 400 sows (parity 1-5; 215.7 ± 22.8 kg) were allocated in a randomized block design with four treatments: control (no added fiber), soybean hulls, lignocellulose, and micronized citrus pulp (n = 100 per treatment). Diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, differing only in fiber source, and were provided from day 89 of gestation to weaning. Reproductive traits, piglet performance, fecal score, serum biochemical parameters, and colostrum yield and composition were evaluated. Blood metabolites were analyzed using an automatic biochemical analyzer, and glucose was measured with a portable glucometer. Statistical analyses included linear mixed-effects models, ANOVA with Tukey adjustment, Poisson and logistic regression models, and non-parametric tests when appropriate, with significance declared at P < 0.05. Fiber inclusion reduced stillbirth rates (P = 0.04), with lignocellulose showing the lowest incidence, and increased the number of weaned piglets (P = 0.01). Piglet weaning weight was higher in the micronized citrus pulp group (P = 0.04). Lactation mortality was reduced in fiber-fed sows compared to control (P < 0.01). Serum triglycerides were higher in sows fed lignocellulose (P = 0.04), while other biochemical parameters were unaffected. Colostrum protein concentration increased with micronized citrus pulp (P = 0.03), whereas fat, lactose, and colostrum yield were not influenced (P > 0.05). Dietary fiber supplementation during late gestation improved reproductive and lactation outcomes, particularly by reducing stillbirths and lactation mortality and enhancing piglet performance, while specific effects were observed on serum triglycerides and colostrum protein concentration.