The effect of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation of the maternal diet on the performance and behaviour of piglets

Abstract

AbstractThe objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of preand postnatal supplementation of sows with an algal source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the pre and post–weaning performance of their piglets. The experiment was of 2 x 2 factorial design, with DHA supplementation of the sow diet (3g DHA/kg feed) during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and/or 4 weeks of lactation. There was a significant positive effect (P<0.05) of lactation DHA on weaning weight. Piglets from sows which had received DHA supplement in gestation were heavier throughout the post–weaning period than controls (P<0.05), as were piglets whose mothers received DHA in lactation (P<0.05). When age and weight at weaning were used as covariates in the model, the liveweight gain in week 1 and over the whole 26 day post–weaning period were significantly greater (P<0.05) for piglets from sows which had received DHA supplement in gestation. It is concluded that DHA supplementation of sow diets can improve piglet performance.