Effects of Fermented Radix puerariae Residue on Nutrient Digestibility and Reproductive Performance of Sows

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fermented Radix puerariae residue (FRPR) on reproductive performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents of sows. A total of 36 landrace × large white multiparous sows were randomly arranged into three treatments, representing supplementation with 0, 2, and 4% FRPR to a corn-soybean meal and wheat bran-based diet during the whole gestation period. The results showed that dietary FRPR had no effects on litter size and the number of total alive piglets (P > 0.05), and that the number of weaned piglets and weaning weight of litter were increased in sows with 4% FRPR treatment compared with control treatment (P < 0.05). Dietary 4% FRPR significantly decreased constipation rate, improved the ATTD of dry matter and organics, and fecal contents of acetate, propionate, and total SCFAs (P < 0.05). In the offspring piglets, serum concentrations of total protein, alkaline phosphatase, IgG, IL-10, and TGF-β were increased, but blood urea nitrogen content was decreased with 4% FRPR treatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in all determined indexes except for fecal acetic acid and total SCFAs between control and 2% FRPR treatment (P > 0.05). These findings indicated that FRPR used in the diets of sows showed positive effects on fecal characteristics, utilization of nutrients, and reproductive performance. Maternal supplementation with 4% FRPR is recommended for improving immune responses, weaning litter size, and litter weight of offspring piglets, which provide useful information for the application of residues of R. puerariae.

Diets Partially Replaced With Cassava Residue Modulate Antioxidant Capacity, Lipid Metabolism, and Gut Barrier Function of Huanjiang Mini-Pigs

“…Recent studies have found that fermented corn-soybean meal could improve the immune function of pigs, and fermented feed has been shown positive impacts on the gut functions of pigs by enhancing the beneficial bacteria ( Lactobacillus ) and inhibiting the pathogenic bacteria ( Escherichia coli ) in the intestine ( 10 ). Furthermore, fermented feed supplements from apple pomace, mushroom, mulberry leaf extracts, etc., have been extensively studied to improve reproductive performance, growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of pigs ( 11 – 14 ). However, the application of CR or fermented CR (FCR) in pig feed is still limited.…”

Corn straw-saccharification fiber improved the reproductive performance of sows in the late gestation and lactation via lipid metabolism

“…Dietary fiber can satisfy the full feeling of sows to prevent excessive energy intake during gestation and regulate reproductive performance ( 30 , 31 ). Previous studies showed that feeding sow diets rich in wheat straw ( 32 ), alfalfa ( 33 ) and radix puerariae residue ( 34 ) during gestation could improve the reproductive performance of sows. In addition, supplementation of sow diets with low, medium and high fiber levels increased the total number of born (alive) piglets ( 35 ).…”