Abstract
In a factorial 2x2 experiment the use of a polyol mixture (sugar alcohols) in the diet of sows and piglets was investigated. The trial was performed with 26 sows divided into two groups. The polyol sows were fed 180 g polyol mixture daily, and for polyol group piglets the polyol supplementation in creep feed was 5 %. The average number of piglets per litter in the control group was 10.3 and in the polyol group 9.2. The addition of polyols to the diet of sows had only a small effect on the performance of piglets. The piglets receiving polyols in creep feed gained during 1—21 days post partum 21.1 % more than controls and during the rest of the lactation period 7 % more (P > 0.05). The incidence of diarrhoea in piglets of polyol groups was slightly higher compared with controls. The consumption of creep feed supplemented with polyols tended to be higher than consumption of control feed. Colostrum and milk samples were taken for analysis within 12 h after feeding and 7 and 21 days thereafter. The protein and lactose contents of colostrum and milk were slightly higher and the fat content lower from sows receiving polyols, but the differences were not significant. The mineral and amino acid composition was also analysed.
Highlights
The mixture of polyols or sugar alcohols, is a by-product of xylitol production from birch tree hydrolysate
The ash content of creep feed in the control ration was 4 percentage points higher than in the polyol ration and the DCP percentage and FU-value were lower in the control diet
This difference is probably due to a mistake in the preparation of the creep feed mixture
Summary
The mixture of polyols or sugar alcohols, is a by-product of xylitol production from birch tree hydrolysate. The protein and lactose contents of colostrum and milk were slightly higher and the fat content lower from sows receiving polyols, but the differences were not significant. The effect of polyol supplementation on piglet performance and composition of the colostrum and milk of sows was investigated.
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