Influence of Feeding Compound Feed Rich in Fibre during Parturition and Lactation on Health and Performance of Sows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ad libitum access to compound feeds rich in fibre (ante partum (a.p.) and peri partum) on the DM intake, body mass development and performance of sows as well as excretion of Clostridium (C.) perfringens via sows’ faeces. From day 109 (d-7) of gestation, 25 of 48 sows (23 considered as control) received access to one of two different high-fibre pellets from d-7 until the second day post partum (p.p.) (d2) (fibre groups (FG) 1 and 2) in additional to a lactation diet. The additional DM intake of the high-fibre pellets a.p. was 2.13 ± 1.15 kg in FG 1 and 3.14 ± 0.68 kg in FG 2. This led to higher DM intake in the first lactation week and significantly lower losses of weight and back fat thickness during lactation. The bacterial counts of C. perfringens in sows’ faeces directly p.p. were 10 times lower in FG 1 and 100 times lower in FG 2 compared to the controls. High amounts of fibre led to higher DM intake throughout lactation, which had beneficial effects on sows’ body conditions. It seems that high fibre intake influenced the excretion of C. perfringens at parturition, which could improve the health of newborns.

Effects from supplementary feeding of bamboo powder in perinatal period on farrowing process, serum biochemical indexes, and fecal microbes of sows and offspring piglets

“…Nutrition in this perinatal period could greatly affect these physiological processes, and it is necessary to formulate the most effective feeding strategy. Feeding a high-fiber diet to perinatal sows from 7 days before delivery to 2 days after delivery could reduce Clostridium perfringens in feces, thus helping to improve the health of newborn piglets ( Schwennen et al, 2022 ). Different fiber types have different effects on maternal-offspring interactions to regulate the microbiota of offspring piglets.…”

“…In addition, some studies have found that increasing dietary fiber in the perinatal period of sows significantly reduced the number of stillbirths and total mortality of piglets, as well as the mortality rate and diarrhea rate caused by weak piglets ( Feyera et al, 2017 ). Feeding high-fiber diet to sows during perinatal period could reduce Clostridium perfringens in feces, thus helping to improve the health of newborn piglets ( Schwennen et al, 2022 ). All the above studies suggest that the fiber nutrition of perinatal sows may be significant to the health of both sows and their offspring piglets.…”