Abstract
The effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFAs) have been frequently investigated in sows because the profitability of pig production depends mainly on reproduction performance. In feeding trials, different sources and doses of n-3 PUFAs-rich feeds were used with various breeds and stages of production; however, a discrepancy in the response of n-3 PUFAs on sow reproduction has been observed. According to the results of the previous studies, n-3 fatty acids can postpone the time of parturition, decreasing the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are necessary for uterus contraction during labour. These effects could also be useful during the post-weaning period when low prostaglandin levels are indispensable for embryo survival. The n-3 fatty acids fed during the lactation period secreted in milk, may improve piglet performance. In this review, we will focus on the contradictory results of previous studies concerning practical swine nutrition. The main purpose of the review is to highlight those periods of swine breeding when the use of n-3 fatty acids may be advantageous in case of the deficiency of these essential nutrients. In finding the appropriate dose of n-3 PUFAs in terms of sow nutrition, the n-6 PUFAs levels in the given feeds must be taken into account to ensure that there are no significant reductions in the final n-6/n-3 ratio. Despite the numerous previous field trials, there are no current feeding recommendations available for PUFAs in swine nutrition. Hence, more research is required in different practical feeding situations to certify the assumptions and conclusions of this review.
Highlights
In recent years, large-scale swine production has gone through a process of transformation.Modern hyperprolific breeds have started to spread all around the world
The high pre-weaning mortality rate is mainly attributable to the large litter size, which leads to the low individual weights of new-born piglets, who are less developed, and low-vitality animals that are more likely to die during the first period of lactation
Animal and field studies, it seems that n-3 PUFAs, fed during the gestation period, lead to increased lengths in pregnancy times due to a negative impact on arachidonic acid (ARA) production, which exhibits a linear correlation with embryo size
Summary
Large-scale swine production has gone through a process of transformation. The increased litter size, due to genetic selection for prolificacy, has coincided with an increase in stillborn rates and piglets born with lower viability because of lower individual birth weight, resulting in high pre-weaning mortality [1]. Pre-weaning mortality until day five was 15% of the total piglets born (DanBred Breeding Program, 2020). The high pre-weaning mortality rate is mainly attributable to the large litter size, which leads to the low individual weights of new-born piglets, who are less developed, and low-vitality animals that are more likely to die during the first period of lactation. The main purpose of the review is to highlight those periods of swine breeding when the use of n-3 fatty acids may be advantageous in case of deficiency of these essential nutrients
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