PSII-2 The impact of essential oil supplementation on sow milk composition and fecal dry matter

Abstract

Abstract The transition from gestation to lactation greatly impacts the sow body. The expulsion of piglets, placenta, and fluids can result in dehydration and consequently constipation post-farrowing. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an EO product (tradename Absorbezz) on sow fecal dry matter and milk composition. A total of 101 late-gestation sows from three farrowing groups (Group 1: 110 ± 3 d GEST, 263 ± 28 kg initial BW, Group 2: 109 ± 1 d GEST, 259 ± 26 kg initial BW, Group 3: 73 ± 5 d GEST, 238 ± 30 kg initial BW) were allotted to one of two treatments based on parity and BW in each group (Groups 1 and 2: CON: No EO, TRT: 10 mL/d of EO top-dressed; Group 3 received the EO as part of their diet, with a range dependent on the individual sow’s daily feed intake). Sows remained on their respective dietary treatments throughout the remainder of gestation and lactation. Samples were collected from each group (feces; d 110 of gestation, d 4 to 6 and day 14 to 17 of lactation; milk (Group 2 and 3); d 14 to 17). Analysis of variance was performed using PROC GLM of SAS. The TRT group did not experience any differences in the components of fat, protein, and total solids (P > 0.10), there was an increase in lactose (5.97 vs 5.84, P = 0.04), but a decrease in solids non-fat (10.91 vs. 11.00, P = 0.07), and gross energy compared to those of the CON group (4.29 mJ/kg vs. 4.45 mJ/kg, P = 0.08). Fecal DM was not affected at any collection time (P > 0.10). Overall, the addition of EO did not affect fecal DM, but did influence several milk components.