Figure 1: Body weight loss related to farrowing (blue) and lactation (green) over two sequential reproduction cycles in Danbred sows (a,b: Different superscript are significant different within cycle (P<0,05))
BW loss lactation Negative energy balance
BW loss farrowing Piglets, placenta & amniotic fluid
body weight loss of almost 10 kg (cycle 1) and 5 kg (cycle 2) difference compared to the control group (green part of the bars, figure 1). At the same time, the probiotic positively influenced milk production
as the dietary treatment resulted in larger piglets at weaning (+ 300 gram) with higher litter weaning weights (table 1). Additionally the weaning-to-oestrus interval reduced, resulting in less non-productive days. Finally the probiotic was also shown to have a positive influence on the incidence of Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia (MMA) syndrome.
Optimal gut health For a sow to achieve high milk production and maintain body condition during the lactation period, optimal gut health and nutrient absorption are essential. Improvements of the faecal consistency (table 1) and faecal microflora were also observed in the group of animals which received a diet with probiotics, in both the sow and her suckling piglets. At weaning age, increased numbers of the health related Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species were found while lower amounts of the Clostridium clusters and the Escherichia group were observed. Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli are often related to intestinal infections and diarrhoea. These results are in line with the beneficial effects seen in piglets using the probiotic in diets after weaning.
Probiotics support sow longevity Increased lifespan of the sow is recognized as an important parameter from both economic and welfare point of view. Improvements in lifespan can result in decreased replacement costs and a greater proportion of adult sows in the herd that have reached their peak of reproductive performance. Increasing lifespan is complex as many factors are involved including feeding strategies, herd genetics, farm management, climate and profession of farm personnel. The term longevity is often used, although parameters to measure sow longevity and even the definition of longevity varies per researcher. However, they have one message in common namely ‘extend the productive lifetime of sows’. Use of dietary probiotics could be part of the solution to improve
sow longevity, from the economic, health and welfare points of view. Improving gut health and feed efficiency support the highly productive sow to maintain her body condition and at the same time, produce enough milk for better growth of her suckling piglets (figure 2). Higher weaning weights in combination with a more optimal intestinal microflora, give piglets a better start after weaning.
Figure 2: Efficacy of addition of probiotics on sow longevity. Difference between control and probiotic treatment, performance data from two sequential cycles of with Danbred sows performed at the Free University of Berlin.
The feed cost reduction in the gestation period, to compromise
the weight losses in the previous lactation, can save 13 euro / sow / year based on the results of the trial at the Free University of Berlin. Beside feed cost savings, reducing the lactation losses has a positive influence on fertility, the performance of the sow in the next reproduction cycle and subsequent litter uniformity. Overall, probiotics are able to support health, fertility and productivity, and thereby the longevity of the sows.
* Calsporin® , 30 ppm inclusion FEED COMPOUNDER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 PAGE 31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
