Impacts of maternal nutrition on sow performance and potential positive effects on piglet performance
Alexa Gormley
Ki Beom Jang
Yesid Garavito-Duarte
Zixiao Deng
Sung Woo Kim
Abstract：In view of the limitations of current feeding programs in supporting the rapid genetic improvement of modern sows' reproductive performance, this review aims to identify the nutritional challenges faced by modern sows and propose possible solutions to alleviate maternal tissue over-loss and reproductive failure associated with recent genetic improvements. Since 2012, the number of piglets per litter at birth has increased by 2.26, and the birth weight of piglets has increased by 0.22 kg, which has increased the nutrient requirements of sows during pregnancy and lactation. The predictive model generated by this review shows that modern sows require additional lysine supplementation during pregnancy compared to current feeding programs. On the other hand, this review also discusses the physiological challenges faced by modern sows. High oxidative stress, pelvic organ prolapse, and lameness not only directly affect the reproductive performance of sows but also negatively impact the quality of colostrum and milk. Therefore, there is increasing interest in studying specific bioactive compounds as feed additives to mitigate these negative effects. Among them, selenium sources, catechins, and specific plant extracts have been used to reduce oxidative stress in sows; calcium chloride and phytase have been used to alleviate pelvic organ prolapse and lameness; and extracts from algae and yeast have been used to improve the quality of colostrum and milk. Fiber sources and probiotics are widely used to improve gut health. Overall, this review outlines the unique challenges faced by modern sow feeding programs and points out methods to enhance their reproductive performance by correcting amino acid requirements and using specific bioactive compounds.
Keywords：bioactive compoundsnutrient requirementsnutritional regulationoxidative stresshigh-producing sowssow productivity
Publication Date：2025-02-27
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：11( 1-11 )