The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the feed of the sow on parturition characteristics and piglet viability

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may affect parturition traits in sows.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the maternal diet on parturition characteristics and on piglet viability. PUFA are important for the development and function of the nervous system, and dietary levels may affect animal's behaviour and performance. Two groups of twelve sows each were fed different diets from day 45 of pregnancy and during lactation on two commercial farms. On farm-I, a control diet palm oil; 20 and 23.5 g/kg during pregnancy and lactation respectively and a PUFA diet containing both linseed oil (5 g/kg) and fish oil (10 g/kg) were fed. On farm-II, the same diets were fed except for a lower level of fish oil (5 g/kg) in the PUFA diet. All diets contained equal amounts of linoleic acid (13 g/kg). Cameras were installed in the farrowing crates and parturition was recorded. For each piglet, the time of birth, the first attempt to stand up, and the time needed to reach the udder was recorded.

On both farms, the PUFA diet resulted in a shorter time interval birth–udder reaching (P<0.05, on farm-II). The average time interval between successive births and average duration of parturition were significantly (P<0.05) longer for litters from sows receiving the PUFA diet compared to the control diet on farm-II, but not on farm-I. There was a great variability between litters.

In conclusion, n-3 PUFA in the sow's diet may affect parturition traits, but in view of the great variability this needs further study.

S Tmghe, JAM Miswtten, J Vangeyfe, E Claeys, and S De Smet, 2010. EAAP - 61 st Annual Meeting, Heraklion:187.

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The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the feed of the sow on parturition characteristics and piglet viability

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