Maternal Amino Acid Mixtures Supplementation during Late Gestation and Lactation Improved Growth Performance of Piglets through Improving Colostrum Composition and Antioxidant Capacity

Abstract

During late gestation and lactation, oxidative stress in sows can affect their health and reproductive performance. Supplemental amino acid contributes to the antioxidant capacity of pigs. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different combinations of Gln, Leu and γ-GABA (amino acid mixtures, AAMs) during late gestation and lactation on the performance of the sows and their offspring. Fifty large white × landrace sows were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n = 10), including a control group and four AAMs groups (AAMs1, Gln + Leu; AAMs2 (Gln + GABA; AAMs3, Leu + GABA; AAMs4, Gln + Leu + GABA). AAMs supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity of sows, including significantly enhanced total antioxidant capacity in AAMs2, 3 and 4 groups and reduced malonaldehyde concentration in AAMs1, 3 and 4 groups. Additionally, all AAMs significantly increased lactoprotein, total solid and IgA levels of colostrum in sows during lactation. Average body weight of piglets on day 21 after birth in all AAMs groups were significantly increased. Furthermore, the significantly increased total antioxidant capacity was observed in the piglets of every AAMs group. In conclusion, supplementing AAMs during late gestation and lactation improved the antioxidant capacity of sows and colostrum composition, thereby enhancing antioxidant status and the growth performance of piglets. This study provides the possibility of maternal amino acid mixtures to improve the productivity of the swine industry.

Maternal supplementation with konjac glucomannan improves maternal microbiota for healthier offspring during lactation

“…It has been shown that oxidative stress also reduces the feed intake of sows. 25 Intracellular antioxidant enzymes, including T-SOD and GSH-Px, primarily deal with oxidative stress. 45 Mechanism analysis showed that KGM enhances the sow's antioxidant capacity by improving serum GSH-Px activity.…”

“…It has been shown that oxidative stress also reduces the feed intake of sows 25 . Intracellular antioxidant enzymes, including T‐SOD and GSH‐Px, primarily deal with oxidative stress 45 .…”

“…Therefore, effective nutritional interventions are necessary to mitigate oxidation. 25 More importantly, the quality of colostrum and milk, as well as the composition of the maternal microbiota, could be improved by modifying the mother's diet, thereby enhancing the immune response and growth of the offspring. 26 Scientific studies also indicate breastfeeding supplies babies with optimal nutrition, enhances their immune system, and improves the bond between mother and child.…”

“…However, the physiological stages of gestation and lactation increase the metabolic burden on the mother, leading to potential metabolic stress, 23,24 and the maternal suffers enormous challenges. Therefore, effective nutritional interventions are necessary to mitigate oxidation 25 . More importantly, the quality of colostrum and milk, as well as the composition of the maternal microbiota, could be improved by modifying the mother's diet, thereby enhancing the immune response and growth of the offspring 26 .…”

From Challenge to Opportunity: Addressing Oxidative Stress in Animal Husbandry

“…Another compound, Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), a primary bile acid, has been highlighted due to its pivotal role in regulating intestinal epithelial cell function, which is crucial for overall animal health [ 2 ]. In addition, specific amino acid mixtures were found to enhance the antioxidant status, suggesting potential strategies to boost swine industry productivity [ 3 ]. The antioxidant properties of α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) further underscore the importance of dietary interventions in enhancing livestock health [ 4 ].…”