NUTRITION ▶▶▶
A sow in the transition phase, as she has just farrowed.
tamin E are associated with prolonged parturition, increased stillbirth rates and lactation failure in swine. These nutritional components are involved in the production and function of hormones that regulate the farrowing process and colostrum production. Nutrient availability in the body is essential for proper body functions, and nutrition may impact directly or indirectly upon the hormonal balance of sows, especially older sows.
Other disturbing factors Other factors known to disturb sows’ hormonal balance in- clude: • Stress: Sows are very sensitive to stress, and stress is one of the biggest causes of hormonal imbalances. • Constipation: Constipation increases intestinal bacterial overgrowth and endotoxin absorption from the intestine,
Table 1 – Examples of nutrients involved in hormone production, balance and function.
Progesterone/oestrogens Prolactin
Thyroid hormones
Cortisol Calcitriol
36 Fatty acids, zinc, selenium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, E, B2, B3, D3
Amino acids (e.g. methionine, cysteine, tryptophan), vitamin D, selenium, poly-unsaturated fatty acids
Amino acids (e.g. phenylalanine and tyrosine), zinc, iron, iodine, sodium, magnesium and selenium
Magnesium, vitamin C, polyunsaturated fatty acids Vitamin D, vitamin A
▶ PIG PROGRESS | Volume 37, No. 3, 2021
leading to unwanted inflammation in the body and hormonal imbalance. • Excessive body condition: Several hormones are pro- duced in fat tissues, including progesterone and leptin. Sows that are too fat have higher progesterone and leptin levels circulating in the blood. Sufficient decline of progesterone is necessary for proper uterine activity and colostrum produc- tion; levels of circulating progesterone that are too high will interfere in these processes. Leptin is a hormone that sup- presses appetite, resulting in low feed intake and insufficient nutrient intake.
Nutrition and hormonal balance Much attention is given to the nutrition of sows in transition, but the importance of nutrition on proper hormonal balance during the transition period receives far less attention. The nutrient requirements of hyperprolific sows are affected by many physiological factors, yet feed and management strategies do not always take all factors into account. Nutrition may affect, either directly or indirectly, the release or activity of hormones that interfere with the physiological process at farrowing. Feed intake and nutrient bioavailability must cover the requirements of sows to ensure proper body functioning in the days around farrowing. At De Heus’ Swine Nutrition Centre in the Netherlands, re- search is being conducted to gain more insight into the nutri- tional strategies that support body functions of sows during this critical transition period.
PHOTO: DE HEUS
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