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Feed costs and global demand for soybean meal are increasing, putting pressure on profitability in the pig industry. Canola meal is currently the second most widely used protein source in swine diets, yet information about its long-term use in sow feeding across multiple reproductive cycles remains limited.
Objective: This study evaluated the use of canola meal as the main protein source in sow diets and its effects on sow condition and litter performance over two consecutive reproductive cycles.
Methods: A total of 68 sows from two batches were assigned to one of two diets starting at day 80 of gestation. The control diet was based on corn, barley and soybean meal, while the experimental diet replaced soybean meal with canola meal, included at 14.50% for gestating and 24.50% for lactating sows. Sow body weight and backfat thickness were monitored throughout gestation and lactation, and piglet weights were recorded at birth and before weaning. In addition, milk, blood and faecal samples were collected to assess milk composition, metabolic status and nutrient digestibility.
Results: Overall, sow body weight and backfat were similar between diets throughout the study. Litter size and weight were also comparable between groups, indicating that replacing soybean meal with canola meal did not compromise reproductive performance. Milk composition was largely unaffected by diet, and nutrient digestibility remained similar between treatments. Some metabolic indicators differed slightly between diets and reproductive cycles, but without clear negative consequences on sow health or productivity.
Conclusion: Canola meal can successfully replace soybean meal as the main protein source in sow diets during both gestation and lactation without compromising sow condition or litter performance over successive reproductive cycles.
Zhang X, Rogiewicz A, Kiarie EG, Yang C, Nyachoti CM. High canola meal in sow diets: effects on reproduction, piglet growth, milk composition, serum metabolites, and nutrient digestibility over two reproductive cycles. Animal. 2025. Dec 23; 20(2): 101752. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2025.101752