Impact of sow and litter characteristics on colostrum yield, time for onset of lactation, and milk yield of sows

Effects of the Mean Weight of Uniform Litters on Sows and Offspring Performance

This study aimed to determine the effects of uniform litters of different mean birth weights on colostrum production of sows and piglets performance. The study involved 98 multiparous sows from a commercial lean genotype and their piglets. Simultaneous farrowing were supervised and the piglets were divided into experimental litters of 12 piglets each of heterogenous litters (HET, CV = 23.8%, n = 20), uniform light litters (ULL, CV = 9.8%, n = 27), uniform average litters (UAL, CV = 8.2%, n = 23) or uniform heavy litters (UHL, CV = 8.6%, n = 28) piglets and allowed to suckle. Piglets were re-weighed at 24 h and 21 d of life and deaths registered. Colostrum intake (CI) of the piglets and sow's colostrum yield (CY) was estimated using two prediction equations. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in the CY of sows being higher in UHL, lower in ULL and intermediary in HET and UAL litters. CY was positively related to litter total weight at birth and litter weight gain in the first 24 h (p < 0.001). The CI differ between litter type being higher in UHL litters and lower in ULL litters. The coefficient of variation of CI in HET litters was higher than in uniform litters, regardless of their type. The mortality rate of piglets until 21 d was globally 9.6% and it was significantly higher in HET than in UAL (p = 0.033) and tended to be higher than in UHL litters (p = 0.052). No differences in piglet survival were observed between uniform litters. Results show the beneficial effect of uniformity in piglet survival and that the mean weight of uniform litter influences colostrum intake and piglet performance.

Dietary supplementation of laminarin improves the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling piglets

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry. Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity, reduce the inflammatory response, and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota. However, the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.

METHODS

A total of 40 Landrace × Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation, similar in age, body weight (BW), parity and reproductive performance, were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment, receiving a control diet (basal pregnancy or lactating diets) and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.10% laminarin, respectively. The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.

RESULTS

Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter (P = 0.03), average daily feed intake (ADFI, P < 0.01), and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1-21 d (P = 0.02). Furthermore, maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning. In addition, alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk, as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed. The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.

Selecting the optimal strategies when using nurse sows for supernumerous piglets

Hyper-prolific sows frequently do not have a sufficient number of functional teats for their piglets to nurse which has led to the use of nurse sows to manage these surplus piglets. This review discusses strategies for using nurse sows and factors that influence preweaning survival and weight gain of their litters, as well as those that affect their subsequent rebreeding performance. Rearing piglets using a nurse sow can be as successful as piglets reared with their biological mother and is thus a powerful management tool to decrease preweaning piglet mortality. Selecting a young sow as nurse sow is beneficial for piglet survival; however, piglets nursing first parity sows often have a lower daily weight gain than piglets nursing multiparous sows. A litter of uniform surplus piglets is preferably handled using the two-step nurse sow strategy. A consequence of nonuniform litters will most likely be an increased mortality and decreased weaning weight among the smallest piglets within a litter. The subsequent fertility of nurse sows is not compromised. There is an increased risk of lactational oestrus when using nurse sows leading to an increased weaning-to-oestrus interval; however, litter size in nurse sows is identical or even moderately higher in the subsequent parity compared with nonnurse sows.

Feeding the modern sow to sustain high productivity

Selection for hyper-prolific sows has increased the litter size by more than 50% during the last three decades, and proper nutrition of the female pigs has concomitantly changed due to improved prolificacy and productivity of gilts and sows. This review summarizes the physiological characteristics and nutritional challenges associated with feeding modern hyper-prolific sows during the gilt rearing period and during gestation, transition, and lactation periods. The review presents up-to-date knowledge of the energy and lysine requirements of female pigs and focuses on how nutrition may increase fat gain and limit protein and weight gain in the gilt rearing period and in early and mid-gestation. In late gestation, fetal and mammary growth should be considered and during the transition, colostrum yield and farrowing performance need to be optimized. Finally, milk production should be optimized and body mobilization should be minimized in the lactation period to achieve high feed efficiency in hyper-prolific sows.

Managing prolific sows in tropical environments

Litter size in modern sows has been dramatically improved in recent decades by genetic selection for highly prolific sows. In a tropical environment, the average total number of pigs born and number born alive are reported to be as high as 17.2 and 15.1 piglets per litter, respectively. Therefore, the new production target in many herds aims to achieve 30-40 pigs weaned per sow per year. Despite the improvements in litter size, the mean preweaning piglet mortality rate remains high, at between 10% and 20%, in major pig-producing countries. A sufficient daily feed intake by lactating sows is important for high milk production as sow milk yield is the limiting factor for piglet growth rate. Heat stress, which can occur when the ambient temperatures rise above 25°C, is one of the major problems that decreases daily feed intake and compromises milk yield. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage high feed intakes to achieve high milk yields. However, even with high nutrient intakes, productivity can be constrained by intestinal barrier function, limiting digestive ability, and allowing potential pathogens and/or toxins to become systemic. This is more likely greater under tropical conditions because of heat stress, exacerbating sow fertility problems. Underpinning sow herd performance, including responses to environmental challenges, is the selection of appropriate gilts, for example, selection and management for early puberty, thus presumably selecting the more fertile gilts and the correct management of lactation to improve the number of weaned piglets are some of the key factors for future reproductive efficiency of the farm under tropical conditions.

Early- and mid-lactation milk traits are associated with piglet growth during lactation

Preweaning piglet growth is tied to milk quality and consumption. To determine the relationship of milk traits from parity 1-4 dams and piglet growth, early- and mid-lactation (day 2 and day 16) milk samples were collected from 48 litters and analyzed for protein, fat, somatic cell count (SCC), lactose, other solids (solids excluding protein and fat), total solids, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). There were no interactions of parity by day therefore only main effects were tested. Milk volume and percent MUN were greatest (P < 0.05) from fourth parity dams. Nulliparous dams had elevated (P < 0.05) SCC. Several milk traits were different by day. Percent milk protein, fat, and total solids were greater (P < 0.05) from day 2 milk, while percent milk lactose and other solids were greater (P < 0.05) from day 16 milk. Each milk trait was categorically identified as high, moderate, or low at ¼, ½, or ¼ distribution, respectively. Mixed models were used to determine the association of individual milk traits with piglet lactation growth (gain calculated from body weights at birth, day 10, and day 25 weaning; WN). Moderate levels of day 2 milk protein were associated with the greatest (P < 0.05) gain during lactation in comparison to low and high levels. High levels of day 2 milk lactose and day 2 other solids were both related (P < 0.05) to piglet gain over the lactation period. Evaluation of day 16 milk traits with piglet gain over lactation indicated high levels of fat, other solids, and total solids had the greatest (P < 0.05) gain in comparison to moderate and low levels of each trait. Within phase of lactation weight gain, association of day 2 or day 16 milk traits with early weight gain (birth to day 10) or late weight gain (day 10 to WN) were performed. The greatest (P < 0.05) early weight gains were associated with moderate levels of day 2 protein, high levels of day 2 lactose and day 2 other solids, and low levels of day 2 MUN. High levels of day 2 milk lactose and day 16 milk fat were associated (P < 0.05) with piglet gain during late lactation (day 10 to weaning). Genetic selection or improved management that allows for favorable milk traits at critical periods of lactation for improved weight gain will improve pig production.

Characteristics of sows' milk and piglet nutrient utilization during a 28-d lactation period

The present study aimed to characterize the performance of suckling piglets from high prolific sows and investigate the impact of milk composition on piglet growth during a 4-wk lactation period. Piglet performance included weight gain (WG), milk intake, nutrients and energy in milk, and piglet energy metabolism in weeks 1 to 4 of lactation. Data from six previous experiments were used with a total of 2,047 piglets and 604 milk samples collected from 151 sows. Piglet body weight linearly increased (P < 0.001) as lactation progressed, with the piglet WG being low in week 1 (132 g/d) and relatively constant from weeks 2 to 4 (248 g/d; P < 0.001). The metabolizable energy (ME) intake of the piglets increased (P < 0.001) from weeks 1 to 3; however, with lower values in week 4 than for week 3. The heat energy production and energy required for maintenance (MEm) linearly increased (P < 0.001) from weeks 1 to 4. In addition, the retained energy and ME to MEm ratio only increased from weeks 1 to 2 (P < 0.001) and then declined through week 4. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine the relations between the milk nutrient composition and the WG in weeks 1 to 4. The results showed that WG was negatively correlated with the milk protein concentration at all stages of lactation (P < 0.001). In contrast, the WG was positively correlated with milk fat and lactose concentrations in weeks 2 and 4, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the stage of lactation influenced WG, milk intake, nutrients in milk, energy in milk, and the energy metabolism of the suckling piglets. Moreover, maximizing milk protein concentration does not optimize piglet growth.

Feeding level during the last week of gestation can influence performance of sows and their litters in the subsequent lactation

This study investigated the impact of feeding level during the last week of gestation on performance of sows and their litters in the subsequent lactation. A total of 48 sows were assigned to one of six feeding levels (1.8, 2.4, 3.1, 3.7, 4.3, or 5.0 kg/d) from day 108 of gestation until farrowing. Post-farrowing, all sows were fed similarly during lactation with a gradual increase in feed allowance in accordance with Danish recommendation until it reached the maximum allowance of 9 kg/d on day 17 of lactation. Plasma samples were collected from the sows during farrowing and lactation, and sow's body weight and backfat thickness, and milk samples were taken during lactation. Litters were standardized to have 13 to 15 piglets each and weighed once weekly during lactation. Plasma concentrations of urea, acetate, and butyrate in sows linearly increased (P < 0.001), while non-esterified fatty acids linearly decreased (P < 0.001) during farrowing with increasing feeding level. Moreover, concentrations of triglycerides (P < 0.001), acetate (P = 0.007), and succinate (P < 0.001) were greater in plasma collected at the onset of farrowing compared to the end of farrowing. Conversely, concentrations of glucose, urea, and butyrate (P < 0.001) were lower in plasma collected at the onset of farrowing than at the end. Sows fed 2.4 and 3.1 kg/d exhibited greater triglyceride concentrations than those fed 3.7 (P = 0.03) and 5.0 (P = 0.02) kg/d. Sows fed 1.8 kg/d during the last week of gestation had lower milk yield in wk 1 (P < 0.001) and wk 2 (P = 0.001) of lactation compared to the other groups. Additionally, litter weight gain (P = 0.04) and litter weaning weight (P = 0.007) were lower in sows fed 1.8 kg/d compared to the other groups. The greatest milk yield, litter growth, and litter size were observed in sows fed 3.7 kg/d during the last week of gestation, whereas the estimate generated by the regression model revealed that sows should have been provided with 4.0 to 4.1 kg/d as an adequate feeding level to maximize these performances in the subsequent lactation. Interestingly, feeding level during the last week of gestation did not influence feed intake during lactation. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of adequate feed supply (4.0 to 4.1 kg/d) during the last week of gestation in order to maximize performance of sows in the subsequent lactation.

Impact of dietary supplementation of l-Arginine, l-Glutamine, and the combination of both on nursing performance of multiparous sows

Dietary supplementation with arginine (Arg) or glutamine (Gln) has been considered as an option to improve nursing performance in reproductive sows. This study investigated whether a low-level supplementation of Arg or Gln or a blend of both could modify milk nutrients and improve piglets' growth beyond weaning. Seventy-two multiparous sows were assigned to four groups: one group fed a control diet, three treatment groups fed the control diet supplemented with either 0.35% Arg, 0.35% Gln, or both, from day 108 of gestation until weaning at day 26 of lactation. Immediately after birth, the litters were cross fostered to 13 piglets and monitored until 2 wk after weaning. Sows body condition and litter growth were assessed. Colostrum and milk samples were collected for nutrient analyses. Plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) around weaning were determined in sows and two representative piglets per litter. Supplementing Gln or the combination of Arg and Gln had no effect on the parameters studied. Arg supplementation increased weaning weight, while decreasing the variation of piglet weights 2 wk after weaning. There was no correlation with plasma IGF-1 since the hormone was not altered in sows or piglets. The colostral concentration of fat tended to increase in the Arg-group, whereas protein, lactose, energy, and polyamine concentrations remained unaffected. Milk samples obtained on day 12 and 25 of lactation were not influenced by dietary treatment. The data indicate that there might be a window of opportunity, explicitly at the onset of lactation, for dietary intervention by maternal dietary Arg supplementation.

Effect of capsaicin on the feed intake and immunoglobin concentration of sows, and performance of piglets

Capsaicin is a recognized alkaloid that can be used as a flavoring and palatability agent. These effects can increase feed intake in lactating sows during farrowing, especially under thermal stress conditions, and provide antioxidant and immunostimulant activities. The objective of this work was to find out the effects of a capsaicin-based product on the feed intake of sows, immunomodulation, and repercussions on litter performance and the control of piglet diarrhea conditions. A total of 132 pregnant sows and lactating sows and their respective litters were divided into 66 sows each and submitted to one of two possible treatments: a capsaicin-free diet (control group) or capsaicin per meal/day. Capsaicin was mixed with gestation and lactation diets in the proportion of 98.6 g of feed and 1.4 g of capsaicin/kg feed, with the dose administered "on top" of 100 g per treatment day on the first feeding. The sows were treated between 90 days of gestation and 21 days of lactation. Backfat thickness, feed intake during farrowing, colostrum production, IgG colostrum concentration, sow reproductive performance, piglet performance, and diarrhea were evaluated. Compared to the sows in the control group, those that received capsaicin had higher feed intake (+ 0.69 kg/day during lactation, P = 0.008), higher levels of IgG in colostrum (185.75 versus 153.80 mg/mL, P = 0.04), an 11.2% higher litter weight gain, with individual piglet weight gains greater than 5.24% (P = 0.045), and an effective reduction in the frequency of piglet diarrhea on the 10th and 17th days of age (P = 0.013 and P = 0.001, respectively). Capsaicin is an additive with potential effects on the sow's performance, with positive influences on the health and growth of suckling piglets.

Review: Physiology and nutrition of late gestating and transition sows

The physiology during late gestation and the transition period to lactation changes dramatically in the sow, especially during the latter period. Understanding the physiological processes and how they change dynamically as the sow approaches farrowing, nest building, giving birth to piglets, and producing colostrum is important because these processes greatly affect sow productivity. Glucose originating from assimilated starch accounts for the majority of dietary energy, and around farrowing, various organs and peripheral tissues compete for plasma glucose, which may become depleted. Indeed, physical activity increases shortly prior to farrowing, leading to glucose use by muscles. Approximately ½ to 1 d later, glucose is also needed for uterine contractions to expel the piglets and for the mammary gland to produce lactose and fat for colostrum. At farrowing, the sow appears to prioritize glucose to the mammary gland above the uterus, whereby insufficient dietary energy may compromise the farrowing process. At this time, energy metabolism in the uterus shifts dramatically from relying mainly on the oxidation of glucogenic energy substrates (primarily glucose) to ketogenic energy supplied from triglycerides. The rapid growth of mammary tissue occurs in the last third of gestation, and it accelerates as the sow approaches farrowing. In the last 1 to 2 wk prepartum, some fat may be produced in the mammary glands and stored to be secreted in either colostrum or transient milk. During the first 6 h after the onset of farrowing, the uptake of glucose and lactate by the mammary glands roughly doubles. Lactate is supplying approximately 15% of the glucogenic carbon taken up by the mammary glands and originates from the strong uterine contractions. Thereafter, the mammary uptake of glucose and lactate declines, which suggests that the amount of colostrum secreted starts to decrease at that time. Optimal nutrition of sows during late gestation and the transition period should focus on mammary development, farrowing performance, and colostrum production. The birth weight of piglets seems to be only slightly responsive to maternal nutrition in gilts; on the other hand, sows will counterbalance insufficient feed or nutrient intake by increasing mobilization of their body reserves. Ensuring sufficient energy to sows around farrowing is crucial and may be achieved via adequate feed supply, at least three daily meals, high dietary fiber content, and extra supplementation of energy.

Identifying long non-coding RNAs and characterizing their functional roles in swine mammary gland from colostrogenesis to lactogenesis

Objective

This study was conducted to identify the functional long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for swine lactation by RNA-seq data of mammary gland.

Methods

According to the RNA-seq data of swine mammary gland, we screened lncRNAs, performed differential expression analysis, and confirmed the functional lncRNAs for swine lactation by validation of genome wide association study (GWAS) signals, functional annotation and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).

Results

We totally identified 286 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs in mammary gland at different stages from 14 days prior to (-) parturition to day 1 after (+) parturition, and the expressions of most of lncRNAs were strongly changed from day −2 to day +1. Further, the GWAS signals of sow milk ability trait were significantly enriched in DE lncRNAs. Functional annotation revealed that these DE lncRNAs were mainly involved in mammary gland and lactation developing, milk composition metabolism and colostrum function. By performing weighted WGCNA, we identified 7 out of 12 lncRNA-mRNA modules that were highly associated with the mammary gland at day −14, day −2, and day +1, in which, 35 lncRNAs and 319 mRNAs were involved.

Conclusion

This study suggested that 18 lncRNAs and their 20 target genes were promising candidates for swine parturition and colostrum occurrence processes. Our research provided new insights into lncRNA profiles and their regulating mechanisms from colostrogenesis to lactogenesis in swine.

Mint Oil, ɤ-Tocopherol, and Whole Yeast Cell in Sow Diets Enhance Offspring Performance in the Postweaning Period

Times of high metabolic activity in gestation and lactation, as well as periods of stress at weaning, can lead to greater incidences of oxidative stress in the dam and offspring during the suckling and postweaning period. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between prooxidant molecules and the antioxidant defense system that can negatively impact growth and/or reproductive performance. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of whole yeast cell, peppermint oil, and ɤ-tocopherol in gestation and lactation on maternal oxidative status and offspring growth from birth to market. In study 1, 45 sows and gilts were assigned to one of four diets [control diet (CON), control + whole yeast cell (YC), control + mint oil top dress (MO), and control + yeast cell and mint oil top dress (YCMO)] provided from d110 of gestation through to weaning. A total of 481 weaned offspring were randomly allotted to pens balanced by weight and litter within maternal treatment and received the same dietary treatment as the sow for 35 days postwean in a four-phase feeding regimen. In study 2, 53 sows and gilts were allotted to four diet regimens similar to study 1 [CON, YC, MO, and control + ɤ-tocopherol (GT)] from d5 postbreeding to weaning. At weaning, 605 piglets were randomly allotted to pens, balanced by weight and litter within maternal treatment and fed a common diet for 126 days postwean in a nine-phase feeding regimen. Maternal dietary treatment did not impact sow body weight, piglet birth weight, and litter size in either study. In study 1, piglets from YC sows were heavier (p < 0.05) at weaning than CON animals. In the postwean period, overall daily gain was greater (p < 0.05) for CON-fed pigs than YCMO pigs, with overall feed intake greater (p < 0.05) for YCMO- than MO-fed pigs, resulting in lower (p < 0.05) Gain to Feed (G:F) in YCMO-fed pigs. In study 1, glutathione content in milk tended to be lower (p < 0.10) in MO than in YCMO sows. In study 2, piglets from GT-fed sows tended to be heavier (p < 0.10) at weaning than YC piglets. Lightweight pigs from CON sows tended to be lighter (p < 0.10) than pigs from all other treatment groups at weaning and day (d) 29 postwean. Lightweight MO and GT pigs were heavier at d42 (p < 0.05) than CON and YC pigs. At d70 postwean, GT pigs tended to be heavier than CON pigs. Lightweight MO pigs had greater gain (p < 0.05) during the finishing period than all other treatment groups. With respect to sow oxidative status in study 2, glutathione content in colostrum and d4 and 14 milk samples did not differ by maternal treatment. Superoxide dismutase activity in sow sera, colostrum, and milk did not differ between diets in either study. Whole yeast cell and ɤ-tocopherol supplementation in sow lactation diets resulted in heavier offspring. However, pre- and postnatal exposure to mint oil benefited lightweight pigs up to market weight.

Intravenous infusion of glucose improved farrowing performance of hyperprolific crossbred sows

The sow at parturition is challenged with respect to energy status due to increases in energetic expenses associated with 1) nest building 2) uterine contractions, and 3) colostrum production. A previous study indicated that sows were depleted of glucogenic energy around farrowing. The aim was to investigate whether intravenous infusion of glucose from observed nest-building behavior to 24 h postpartum affected the farrowing kinetics and colostrum production in sows. Ten multiparous sows (DanBred landrace × DanBred Yorkshire) were fitted with a jugular vein catheter on each side (one for infusion and the other one for blood sampling). Sows were infused with either 0.9% saline (CON; n = 5) or 10% glucose (GLU; n = 5) solution at a constant rate of 125 mL/h. From day 108 of gestation, sows were fed once daily with 3.33 kg of a standard lactation diet. During farrowing, sows were monitored to register the onset of farrowing, time of birth, birth status (live or dead), sex, stillbirth rate (SR), and weight of newborn piglets. Farrowing assistance (FA) was provided when the birth interval exceeded 60 min. In late gestation, 1 mL of blood was collected every third hour for blood gas analysis and every sixth hour for harvesting plasma. During farrowing, 1 mL (for blood gas) and 9 mL of blood were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 h in milk (HIM). Colostrum and milk samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 HIM and also at 3, 10, 17, and 24 d in milk. Compared with CON sows, GLU infusion decreased the SR (16.1% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.03), FA (21% vs. 9.0%; P = 0.01), and surprisingly also blood glucose at the onset of farrowing (5.53 vs. 5.09 mmol/L; P = 0.03), respectively. A tendency to higher plasma lactate at the onset of farrowing (P = 0.05) but decreased piglet mortality from 0 to 24 h (P = 0.06) was also found for GLU sows. No effects of treatment on farrowing duration or mean birth intervals were found. Lactate in whole blood (P = 0.003) and plasma (P = 0.002) was increased for GLU sows as compared with CON sows during the colostrum period. No effect of GLU infusion was seen on colostrum and milk composition and yield. The increase in lactate was most likely due to a shift toward a greater proportion of glucose oxidation and insufficient O2 supply to fuel uterine contractions. In conclusion, infusion of glucose reduced the frequency of SR and FA, and improved energy status of the sow which seems to be crucial to enhance total piglet survival.

Optimal feed level during the transition period to achieve faster farrowing and high colostrum yield in sows

This study aimed to determine the optimal supply of lactation feed during the transition period to minimize farrowing duration (FD) and maximize colostrum yield (CY) and quality with the overall aim of reducing piglet mortality. A total of 48 sows were stratified for body weight and assigned to six levels of feed supply (1.8, 2.4, 3.1, 3.7, 4.3, and 5.0 kg/d) from day 108 of gestation until 24 h after the onset of farrowing. The number of total born, live-born, and stillborn piglets; birth time and birth weight of each piglet; and frequency of farrowing assistance (FA) was recorded, and blood samples were obtained from newborn piglets at birth. Live-born piglets were further weighed at 12 and 24 h after birth to record weight gain, which in turn was used to estimate intake and yield of colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h after the onset of farrowing. FD was shortest (4.2 h) at intermediate (3.7 kg/d), longest (7.1 to 7.6 h) at low (1.8 and 2.4 kg/d), and intermediate (5.6 to 5.7 h) at high (4.3 and 5.0 kg/d) feed intake (P = 0.004; mean comparison). FA was lowest (0.7% to 0.8%) at intermediate feed intake (3.7 and 4.3 kg/d) and substantially elevated (4.3% to 4.7%) at both lower and higher feed intake (P = 0.01; mean comparison). The cubic contrast revealed 4.1 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to achieve the shortest FD and to minimize FA. Newborn piglets from second-parity sows were less vital than piglets from gilts as evaluated by blood biochemical variables immediately after birth. CY was greatest at 3.1 kg/d (P = 0.04), whereas the cubic contrast revealed 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to maximize CY. Concentrations of colostral components were affected by the diet, parity, and their interaction except for lactose concentrations. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the importance of proper feed level during the transition period on sow productivity. Moreover, this study estimated 4.1 and 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake during the transition period to improve farrowing characteristic and CY, respectively, and these two feed intake levels supplied daily 38.8 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) and 23.9 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (3.0 kg/d) or 53.0 MJ ME and 32.7 g SID lysine (4.1 kg/d). The discrepancy of optimal feed intake for optimal farrowing and colostrum performance suggests that it may be advantageous to lower dietary lysine concentration in the diet fed prepartum.

Management and Feeding Strategies in Early Life to Increase Piglet Performance and Welfare around Weaning: A Review

The performance of piglets in nurseries may vary depending on body weight, age at weaning, management, and pathogenic load in the pig facilities. The early events in a pig's life are very important and may have long lasting consequences, since growth lag involves a significant cost to the system due to reduced market weights and increased barn occupancy. The present review evidences that there are several strategies that can be used to improve the performance and welfare of pigs at weaning. A complex set of early management and dietary strategies have been explored in sows and suckling piglets for achieving optimum and efficient growth of piglets after weaning. The management strategies studied to improve development and animal welfare include: (1) improving sow housing during gestation, (2) reducing pain during farrowing, (3) facilitating an early and sufficient colostrum intake, (4) promoting an early social interaction between litters, and (5) providing complementary feed during lactation. Dietary strategies for sows and suckling piglets aim to: (1) enhance fetal growth (arginine, folate, betaine, vitamin B12, carnitine, chromium, and zinc), (2) increase colostrum and milk production (DL-methionine, DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, arginine, L-carnitine, tryptophan, valine, vitamin E, and phytogenic actives), (3) modulate sows' oxidative and inflammation status (polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, selenium, phytogenic actives, and spray dried plasma), (4) allow early microbial colonization (probiotics), or (5) supply conditionally essential nutrients (nucleotides, glutamate, glutamine, threonine, and tryptophan).

Postpartum prostaglandin F2α administration affects colostrum yield, immunoglobulin G, and piglet performance

Objective

Current study was conducted to determine the effect of postpartum prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) administration on colostrum and milk yield, colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and piglet growth performance.

Methods

In total, 36 sows were included in the experiment. The sows were classified into two groups: i) control (n = 11) and ii) PGF2α (n = 25). Sows in the PGF2α group received 10 mg of PGF2α within an hour after farrowing. The body weight of piglets was measured at 0 and 24 h after birth to estimate colostrum consumption. Colostrum was collected at 1 and 24 h after farrowing to determine IgG concentrations. For milk yield study, the remaining sows in the PGF2α group (n = 23) were divided into two subgroups: i) single PGF2α (n = 12) and ii) multiple PGF2α (n = 11). In the multiple PGF2α, the sows received repeated doses of PGF2α at seven and 14 days postpartum. The piglets’ body weight was measured at 0, 1, 5, and 20 days of age. The milk yield of the sows was calculated.

Results

Colostrum yield of sows averaged 5.62±2.25 kg. Sows treated with PGF2α postpartum had a higher colostrum yield than control (7.01 and 5.12 kg, p<0.05). The concentration of IgG in colostrum at 24 h in the PGF2α group was higher than the control (31.6 and 17.4 g/L, p<0.05). For primiparous sows, milk yield was highest in the sows treated with multiple doses of PGF2α during lactation and lowest in control sows (10.25 and 7.61 kg, p<0.05). Colostrum intake was higher in the treatment than the control groups (+56.7 g, p<0.05). Primiparous sows treated with multiple doses of PGF2α had a higher litter weight than controls (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Postpartum treatment with PGF2α improved colostrum yield and IgG in multiparous sows and increased colostrum intake of piglets. Multiple administration of PGF2α improved the milk yield and increased litter weight of piglets in primiparous sows.

Influence of colostrum supply on Salmonella spp. seroprevalence in piglet rearing and possibilities to increase colostrum production by optimised feeding

A commercial farm study investigated whether colostrum production and antibody transfer can be improved by extra feeding in late pregnancy sows, and whether such improvements have an influence on disease status (measured as Salmonella spp. seroprevalence) in piglets, using a rapid and cost effective, ELISA-based estimation method (IDEXX Swine Salmonella spp. Ab Test). Four farms with established high Salmonella spp. seroprevalence were selected, and 16 sows in each farrowing group were selected over six farrowing cycles for the feeding experiment (n=368). One half (n=184) of the sows were fed a conventional feed following official nutrient recommendations concerning energy, amino acids and minerals when they entered the farrowing pen. The other half (n=184) received 1.25 kg of a test feed daily containing fibre rich cereals (barley, oats), a fibre component (soy husks) and potassium diformate in addition to the conventional feed until two days post-partum. Blood samples were taken from two light and two heavy piglets aged 2 d in each litter (n=1,469) and at the end of rearing (approximately nine weeks old; average body weight of 25 kg; n=588). In the test-fed group, piglet immunocrit value (as a measure of immunoglobulin transfer) was significantly improved (P<0.0219; K:0.1226±0.0437; V: 0.1278±0.0406). A moderate correlation (r=0.40935; P<0.0001) was found between immunocrit value and Salmonella spp. antibodies at 2 d old. There was no correlation between immunocrit value and Salmonella spp. antibodies at the end of the rearing period (r=0.09914), when the pigs were around nine weeks of age. Despite better colostrum supply, the animals in the test group did not show a significantly lower prevalence of Salmonella spp. seroprevalence (test group optical density (OD) 9.8000±17.4954%; control group OD 8.9486±14.2426%; P<0.5344) at nine weeks of age. It could be shown that the colostrum supply can be optimised by providing sows with extra feed. The moderate correlation between immunocrit and Salmonella spp. antibodies on the second day of life suggests that measuring antibodies by rapid, cost effective ELISA could be a practical tool to for the estimation of colostrum supply and the corresponding health of piglets. A suspected effect of reduced colostrum supply on the Salmonella spp. seroprevalence at the end of piglet rearing was not detectable. Other effects (e.g. hygiene) seem to be more significant.

Phytogenic actives supplemented in hyperprolific sows: effects on maternal transfer of phytogenic compounds, colostrum and milk features, performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, and piglet intestinal gene expression

Phytogenic actives (PA) are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds that may promote livestock health and well-being, as well as improve growth performance and production efficiency. The current study aims to evaluate their effects on sows and their offspring. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows (up to parity 7) were assigned to 3 experimental treatments. Control sows were offered a nonsupplemented diet during gestation and lactation, and treated sows were fed the control diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of a blend of PA (BPA) in lactation (L) or during gestation and lactation (GL). An evaluation was made of placental and milk maternal transfer of these BPA and colostrum-milk features, sows and piglets antioxidant status, reproductive performance (litter size), body weight (BW) changes, weaning-estrus interval, and litter performance. Finally, piglet´s jejunum gene expression was measured. The BPA supplementation during gestation (GL) increased the number of piglets born alive (P = 0.020) and reduced (P < 0.05) the newborn piglets BW, while there were no differences among treatments on the suckling (day 20) and weaned (day 7) piglets BW (P > 0.05). Dietary phytogenic volatile compounds reached GL placental fluid, and milk of L and GL sows (P < 0.05). Moreover, colostrum protein in GL and milk fat content in L and GL were increased (P < 0.05). Milk of GL showed inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05). Antioxidant status of GL sows showed an enhanced (P < 0.05) of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity levels at early gestation (day 35), whereas higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes at late gestation (day 110). Likewise, GL newborn piglets showed higher CAT levels, whereas both CAT and SOD levels in suckling piglets, as well as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in weaned piglets, were increased in L and GL (P < 0.05). Jejunum messenger ribonucleic acid abundance of suckling piglets in L and GL groups showed overexpression of barrier function MUC2, digestive enzyme IDO, and immune response PPARGC-α, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-10 genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPA supplementation in hyperprolific sows increased the litter size (born alive) and improved the composition and bioactivity of colostrum and milk, besides, modified the antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, as well as the suckling piglets gut health gene expression. Several BPA volatile compounds were prenatal and postnatal maternally transferred (placental fluid and milk).

Feeding sows during the transition period-is a gestation diet, a simple transition diet, or a lactation diet the best choice?

Three experiments were carried out to study whether a gestation diet, a simple transition diet, or a lactation diet is the best choice in late gestation and when sows preferably should be transferred to a high crude protein (CP) lactation diet. In experiment 1, 35 sows were fed either a gestation diet (12.1% CP), a lactation diet (15.9% CP), or a 50/50 mix (simple transition diet; 14.0% CP) from 6 d before parturition until parturition, to study the impact on farrowing and colostrum performance. In experiment 2, 90 sows were studied from 6 d before parturition until weaning at day 24 and they were fed one of five strategies: a gestation diet until day 3 or day 10 of lactation (strategy 1 and 2) and then lactation diet; a simple transition diet until day 3 or day 10 (strategy 3 and 4) and then lactation diet; or a lactation diet throughout the study (strategy 5). In experiment 3, 124 sows were fed strategy 1 or 5. Sows were weighed and back fat (BF) scanned when entering the farrowing unit and at day 2, 10, 17, and 24. Piglets were weighed at birth and after 24 h, and colostrum production was studied (experiment 1). Litter weight at day 2, 10, 17, and 24 was recorded, milk and blood samples were collected weekly and sow fat and protein mobilization, and balances of energy, N, and Lys were calculated from day 3 to 10 of lactation (experiment 2). Total- and live born piglets, and frequencies of stillbirth and piglet diarrhea were recorded (experiment 3). Feeding sows a gestation diet, a simple transition diet, or a lactation diet showed no evidence of effects on colostrum production or farrowing process (experiments 1 and 3) or lactation performance (experiments 2 and 3). Compared to previous studies, sows had a poor milk yield. Plasma urea was elevated (P < 0.001) indicating CP oversupply prior to parturition in sows fed the lactation diet as compared with the two other diets. According to calculated balances, all dietary strategies supplied insufficient amounts of N and Lys from day 3 to 10, indicating that the best choice is to feed sows with a high CP lactation diet from parturition and onwards. Primiparous sows had a higher plasma insulin concentration (P < 0.01), lower colostrum yield (P < 0.01), and higher frequency of piglet diarrhea (P < 0.001) than multiparous sows. In conclusion, in our conditions (high CP in gestation diet; poor milk yield; restricted feeding in early lactation), sow performance was not compromised by the dietary strategies, but results indicate that primiparous and multiparous sows should be fed differently.

Review: nutritional and endocrine control of colostrogenesis in swine

Colostrum plays an essential role in ensuring the survival, growth and health of piglets by providing energy, nutrients, immunoglobulins, growth factors and many other bioactive components and cells. Both colostrum yield and composition are highly variable among sows, yet mechanisms and factors that regulate colostrogenesis are not fully known. Unlike sow milk yield, sow colostrum yield is not highly determined by litter size and suckling intensity but is largely driven by sow-related factors. Colostrum synthesis is under hormonal control, with prolactin and progesterone concentrations prepartum having, respectively, positive and negative influences on colostrum yield. Less is known about the endocrine control of the end of colostrogenesis in swine, which is characterized by the closure of tight junctions in the mammary epithelium and the cessation of transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) into lacteal secretions. Recent studies indicate that exogenous hormones may influence colostrogenesis. Inducing parturition by injecting prostaglandin F2α on day 114 of gestation in combination with an oxytocin-like molecule reduced colostrum yield, and injection of prostaglandin F2α alone either reduced colostrum yield or had no effect. Injecting a supraphysiological dose of oxytocin to sows in the early postpartum period delayed the tightening of mammary tight junctions, thereby prolonging the colostral phase and increasing concentrations of IGF-I and IgG and IgA in early milk. The development of strategies to improve colostrum composition in swine through maternal feeding has been largely explored but very few attempts were made to increase colostrum yield. This is most likely because of the difficulty in measuring colostrum yield in swine. The fatty acid content of colostrum greatly depends on the amount of lipids provided in the sow diet during late gestation, whereas the fatty acid profile is largely influenced by the type of lipid being fed to the pregnant sow. Moreover, various ingredients that presumably have immuno-modulating effects (such as fish oil, prebiotics and probiotics) increased concentrations of IgG, IgA and/or IgM in sow colostrum when they were provided during the last weeks of gestation. Finally, there is some evidence that sow nutrition during late gestation may influence colostrum yield but this clearly warrants more research. This review emphasizes that although progress has been made in understanding the control of colostrogenesis in swine, and that strategies exist to manipulate fat and immunoglobulin contents of colostrum, ways to increase colostrum yield are still lacking.

Dynamic modeling of nutrient use and individual requirements of lactating sows1

Nutrient requirements of sows during lactation are related mainly to their milk yield and feed intake, and vary greatly among individuals. In practice, nutrient requirements are generally determined at the population level based on average performance. The objective of the present modeling approach was to explore the variability in nutrient requirements among sows by combining current knowledge about nutrient use with on-farm data available on sows at farrowing [parity, BW, backfat thickness (BT)] and their individual performance (litter size, litter average daily gain, daily sow feed intake) to estimate nutrient requirements. The approach was tested on a database of 1,450 lactations from 2 farms. The effects of farm (A, B), week of lactation (W1: week 1, W2: week 2, W3+: week 3 and beyond), and parity (P1: 1, P2: 2, P3+: 3 and beyond) on sow performance and their nutrient requirements were evaluated. The mean daily ME requirement was strongly correlated with litter growth (R2 = 0.95; P < 0.001) and varied slightly according to sow BW, which influenced the maintenance cost. The mean daily standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine requirement was influenced by farm, week of lactation, and parity. Variability in SID lysine requirement per kg feed was related mainly to feed intake (R2 = 0.51; P < 0.001) and, to a smaller extent, litter growth (R2 = 0.27; P < 0.001). It was lowest in W1 (7.0 g/kg), greatest in W2 (7.9 g/kg), and intermediate in W3+ (7.5 g/kg; P < 0.001) because milk production increased faster than feed intake capacity did. It was lower for P3+ (6.7 g/kg) and P2 sows (7.3 g/kg) than P1 sows (8.3 g/kg) due to the greater feed intake of multiparous sows. The SID lysine requirement per kg of feed was met for 80% of sows when supplies were 112 and 120% of the mean population requirement on farm A and B, respectively, indicating higher variability in requirements on farm B. Other amino acid and mineral requirements were influenced in the same way as SID lysine. The present modeling approach allows to capture individual variability in the performance of sows and litters according to farm, stage of lactation, and parity. It is an initial step in the development of new types of models able to process historical farm data (e.g., for ex post assessment of nutrient requirements) and real-time data (e.g., to control precision feeding).

Effect of the addition of cactus (O. ficus-indica) to the lactating sows' diet on piglet development at lactation and post-weaning

Objective:

The aim was to evaluate the effect of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) to the lactating sows’ diet on piglet development at lactation and post-weaning.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four litters of hybrids sows were evaluated in this study. The sows were divided into two groups: Control (CG), sows fed conventionally and experimental (EG), sows fed with commercial fed plus cactus. Post-weaning, the piglets of both groups were monitored up to the 20 kg liveweight (LW). It was evaluated, lactation (in sows): feed intake (FI), milk production (MP), and quality (MQ) and LW of the piglet. Post-weaning (in piglets): FI, LW, and length of intestinal villi (LIV) at 0, 24 h, and 42 days post-weaning.

Results:

FI sow^-1 was higher in EG (p < 0.05). MP, MQ, and LW piglet^-1 at weaning were equal (p > 0.05). FI piglet^-1 in the sixth and eighth week of age was higher in EG (p < 0.05); at the end of weaning phase, EG presented higher LW (p < 0.05): 8.4% more. LIV of the jejunum were higher (p < 0.05) in EG at 48 h (28.8%) and 42 days post-weaning (29.9%). At day 0, post-weaning LIV of the descending portion was higher (p < 0.05) in CG (1,571.0 μm) versus EG (1,058.0 μm). At day 42, post-weaning LIV of the transverse portion was higher (p < 0.05) in EG: 23.7% higher.

Conclusion:

Cactus intake in lactating sows does not affect the piglet development. However, post-weaning piglets present higher LIV in jejunum and transverse portion, aspect that improves LW.

Increasing selenium supply for heat-stressed or actively cooled sows improves piglet preweaning survival, colostrum and milk composition, as well as maternal selenium, antioxidant status and immunoglobulin transfer

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing selenium (Se) supply for heat-stressed or actively cooled sows on sow productivity, colostrum and milk composition, as well as the selenium and antioxidant status and immunoglobulin levels of sows and nursing piglets. The study was a 2 × 2 factorial design, where the first factor was farrowing environment [heat stress vs. actively cooling, temperature: 29.61 ± 0.19 ℃ (27.70-31.60 ℃) vs. 27.90 ± 0.15 ℃ (26.90-30.20 ℃); temperature-humidity index: 72.91 ± 0.26 (70.30-75.70) vs. 70.81 ± 0.22 (69.30-73.80)], and the second factor was dietary Se level during late gestation and lactation [(0.3 vs. 1.2 mg/kg Se as Se-yeast, the basal diet was corn-soybean meal diet formulated according to NRC (2012) except for Se level]. Forty multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments (10 sows and following 90 piglets per treatment, respectively). The results show that: (1) There were no interactions of farrowing environment with Se treatments with the exceptions of nutrient content of 7-d milk; (2) As for zootechnical measures, piglets of sows receiving increasing Se tended to have greater preweaning survival compared with those of sows receiving control diet without interactions of environment and Se treatments; (3) As to colostrum and milk composition, greater concentrations of protein, lactose, solids-not-fat in colostrum, and greater fat concentration in 7-d and 14-d milk were found for sows fed increasing Se; (4) Regarding Se and antioxidant status, increasing Se supply for sows increased Se content in colostrum and 21-d milk, as well as in plasma of 1-day-old and 21-day-old piglets. Meanwhile, increasing Se supply for sows improved antioxidant status in colostrum (MDA content) and 21-d milk (T-AOC and MDA content), as well as in plasma of 1-day-old and 21-day-old piglets (GSH-Px activity and MDA content); (5) With regard to immunoglobulins, sows fed increasing Se had higher IgM levels in colostrum, and higher IgA in 21-d milk. Also, piglets from sows fed increasing Se had higher plasma IgA at 1 d of age, and higher IgA and IgG levels at 21 d of age. Collectively, increasing selenium supply for heat-stressed or actively cooled sows improved piglet preweaning survival, colostrum and milk composition, as well as maternal selenium, antioxidant status and immunoglobulin transfer irrespective of the climatic conditions, which indicates that Se requirements for sows should be urgently reassessed.

GLUT1 and lactose synthetase are critical genes for lactose synthesis in lactating sows

Background

Lactose synthesis rate is an important factor in milk production and quality in mammals. Understanding the lactose synthesis mechanism is crucial for the improvement of milk quantity and quality. However, research on the temporal gene changes regarding lactose synthesis during the whole lactation is still limited. The objective of this study was to determine gene expression profiles related to lactose synthesis in sows during lactation, and further identify the critical steps or key factors in the lactose synthesis pathway.

Methods

To determine the temporal change of factors related to lactose synthesis in sows, milk from eight multiparous Yorkshire sows (parity 3 to 6) was collected at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, day 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, and 21 after birth of the first piglet. Lactose content, prolactin and progesterone concentration, and gene or protein expression related to lactose synthesis were measured.

Results

The lactose yield increased gradually from D2 to D21 and reached a maximum at D14 (3-fold from D2) during lactation (P < 0.05). A similar trend was observed in IGF-1 and insulin concentrations in milk, both of which were greatest at D3 with a subsequent decrease during middle to late lactation. Conversely, milk prolactin and progesterone concentrations moderately decreased with the progression of lactation. The mRNA or protein expressions related to glucose transportation (GLUT1), glucose-galactose interconversion (HK1 and UGP2), UDP-galactose transportation (SLC35A2), and lactose synthetase (LALBA and B4GALT1) in the lactose synthesis pathway were significantly upregulated during early to middle lactation and plateaued by late lactation (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These novel findings suggest that the increased lactose synthesis in lactation was related to the coordinated upregulation of genes or enzymes in the lactose synthesis pathway, and glucose transportation (GLUT1) and lactose synthetase (LALBA and B4GALT1) might be the critical steps in the lactose synthesis pathway of sows during lactation.

Understanding the drivers of improved pig weaning weight by investigation of colostrum intake, sow lactation feed intake, or lactation diet specification

Modern sows have low feed intake (FI) during lactation. The main aim of this study was to understand interactions between and separate effects of FI and nutrient density on litter weaning weight (WW). Key drivers of colostrum intake (CIn), piglet survival, WW, and colostrum yield (CY) were also investigated. Sows ( = 82) were offered a High (15.8 MJ/kg DE; 1.3% total lysine) or Normal (15.2 MJ/kg DE; 1.28% total lysine) specification lactation diet at either a High (feed allowance increased by 0.5 kg/d after farrowing until intake reached 10 kg/d) or Low (feed allowance was increased by 0.3 kg/d after farrowing until intake reached 7.5 kg/d) feeding level (2 × 2 factorial design). A subset of sows ( = 18) were observed during farrowing to collect data on factors affecting CIn. No interactions were found between diet specification and feeding level. Sows on the Low feeding level lost 10.6 kg more BW during lactation than those on the High feeding level ( < 0.001). Sows offered the High specification diet lost 6.4 kg more BW than those on the Normal specification diet ( = 0.018). Diet specification had no effect on ADFI. Between birth and weaning, litters of sows offered the High feeding level grew 326 g/d faster ( < 0.001) and were heavier at 28 d (114 kg; < 0.001) compared with those of sows offered the Low feeding level (104 kg). Although litters from sows offered the High specification diet had WW similar to that of litters from sows offered the Normal specification diets, their ADG was 190 g/d greater ( = 0.018) between birth and weaning. A regression analysis was completed using data from 192 sows and indicated that FI and lysine intake throughout lactation and DE and lysine intake from 14 to 28 d of lactation were the main drivers of litter WW. Lactation efficiency was 0.65 from 0 to 7 d and decreased to 0.42 from 21 to 28 d. Variation in CIn was mainly explained by 24-h weight, birth weight, and the duration of farrowing. Colostrum yield was significantly correlated ( = 0.004; pseudo = 54.5%) with litter birth weight. Piglet WW was positively correlated with 3-wk weight ( < 0.001) but negatively correlated with sow parity ( = 0.035), number born alive ( = 0.045), and being female ( < 0001). Out of 45 variables, preweaning piglet survival was positively correlated ( = 0.008) with only 24- to 48-h weight gain. In conclusion, lactation FI and DE and lysine intake in the second half of lactation were the main drivers of litter WW.

Impact of fat source and dietary fibers on feed intake, plasma metabolites, litter gain and the yield and composition of milk in sows

Sow lactation diets often include fat sources without considering the impact on digestion, metabolism and performance. Fiber ingredients may reduce feed intake and are often completely excluded from lactation diets, although locally available ingredients may be cost-efficient alternatives to partly replace cereals in lactation diets. Thus, a standard lactation diet low in dietary fiber, and two high-fiber diets based on sugar beet pulp (SBP) or alfalfa meal (ALF) were formulated. The SBP diet was high in soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), whereas ALF being high in insoluble NSP. Each diet was divided in three portions and combined with 3% soybean oil (SOYO), palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD), or glycerol trioctanoate (C8TG) as the dietary fat source. Equal amounts of metabolizable energy were fed to 36 second parity sows from day 105 of gestation and throughout lactation to study the impact on feed intake, plasma metabolites, milk production and litter performance. Backfat thickness and BW of sows were recorded on days 3, 17 and 28 of lactation; blood was sampled on days 3 and 17; milk samples were obtained on days 3, 10, 17 and 24 of lactation; and piglets were weighed on days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of lactation. Litter gain and milk yield during late lactation were greater in sows fed C8TG or SOYO than in sows fed PFAD (P=0.05), whereas loss of BW (P=0.60) and backfat (P=0.70) was unaffected by fat source. Milk protein on days 3 and 10 of lactation were lower in C8TG and SOYO sows, than in PFAD sows (P<0.05). The lowest concentration of plasma lactate on day 3 (P<0.05) and plasma acetate on day 17 (P<0.05) was observed in C8TG sows. Milk yield was unaffected by fiber treatment (P=0.43), whereas milk protein concentration was lowest in ALF sows (P<0.05). Feed intake tended to be lower (P=0.09), and litter gain during the 3rd week of lactation was decreased (P<0.05) in SBP sows. In conclusion, performance was enhanced in SOYO and C8TG compared with PFAD sows, possibly associated with reduced energy intake in PFAD-fed sows. Furthermore, the SBP diet seemed to impair feed intake and litter gain at peak lactation, suggesting that effects of the dietary fiber fraction on energy intake determines the potential inclusion level of fiber-rich ingredients.