Abstract
Objective: The effects of an early-life dietary supplementation with short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) on immune response and growth performance of pigs from birth to slaughter were evaluated. The hypothesis was that scFOS have long-term effects on immune response, and growth performance. Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine sows received a control diet (CTRL, 10 g/d maltodextrins) or a diet supplemented with scFOS (10 g/d) from d 109 of gestation to the weaning of the piglets. After weaning, the piglets of each litter were divided into two groups to receive the CTRL or the scFOS diet (1.2 g/d maltodextrin or scFOS) during the pre-starter period. At 53 and 74 d of age, the piglets were vaccinated against Influenza. Performance of sows and composition of colostrum were measured. Blood serum of the piglets was sampled one d prior vaccination, at d 74 and 95 to measure Influenza-IgG levels. The growth parameters of the piglets were recorded from birth to slaughter. Results: Supplementation of the sows with scFOS decreased farrowing duration (p=0.012), colostrum fat content (p=0.006) and increased IgG content in colostrum of sows with parity of 4 or higher (p=0.006) without modifying the performance of suckling piglets. Back fat thickness at weaning tended to be higher in supplemented sows (p=0.091). Diet with scFOS improved growth performance during the breeding period, resulting in reduced feeding time needed to reach a 120 kg body weight at slaughter. Piglets fed scFOS had higher Influenza-IgG titer (p=0.05) after vaccination against Influenza virus.
Highlights
Nutrition plays an essential role in developing microbiota and immune system of neonate piglets
These data suggest short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) supplementation of sows during suckling period and of piglets during the postweaning period leads to long-term positive effects on growth of fattening pigs and to better physiological conditions of sows
Back fat thickness at weaning tended to be higher in sows fed scFOS compared to those fed control diet while feed intake was similar between the 2 groups
Summary
Nutrition plays an essential role in developing microbiota and immune system of neonate piglets. Early-life nutrition may influence gut immunity and metabolism at long-term and may impact growth of pigs at later physiological stages by imprinting [1]. Modulating the diet of females during gestation and lactation and/or the diet of young animal’s results in later change in microbiota and epigenetic reactions in several species [2]. Nutrition of sows is crucial in preserving reproductive performance. Voluntary feed intake of highly prolific sows is generally insufficient to cover nutrient requirements for milk production and maintenance of body condition [3]. Sows may become insulin-resistant during lactation [4] resulting in impairing their breeding career. Insulin-resistance of sows may decrease survival and growth performance of their suckling piglets
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