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Supplementation of sow diets with plant extracts enhances piglet growth prior to weaning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2017

S.E. Ilsley
Affiliation:
The University of Leeds, Centre for Animal Sciences, LIBA, School of Biology, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
H.M. Miller
Affiliation:
The University of Leeds, Centre for Animal Sciences, LIBA, School of Biology, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
H.M.R. Greathead
Affiliation:
The University of Leeds, Centre for Animal Sciences, LIBA, School of Biology, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
C. Kamel
Affiliation:
AXISS France SAS, Site d’Archamps, Immeuble ABC-1, Allée A, F-74160 Archamps, France
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Extract

Sow lactation performance is critical to piglet survival and pre-weaning growth. Effective lactogenesis combined with strong piglet vigour at birth will help prevent hypoglycaemia and mortality. In addition, immune protection of the sucking pig is dependant on the acquisition of immunoglobulins from the colostrum of the sow. High milk output in late lactation will ensure greater weaning weights, since piglet growth potential exceeds milk supply by day 10 of lactation (Harrell et al, 1993). Maximising sow feed intake ensures maximum milk production. A variety of plant extracts are recognised for their health and growth promoting properties which include stimulation of the digestive and immune systems (Platel and Srinvansan, 1996). The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of various plant extracts to stimulate piglet and sow performance when used as supplements in the diets of lactating sows. Three extracts were selected for their potential benefits to health, appetite and digestion, these being Yucca Shidigera, Quillaja Saponaria and Combination (a blend of the spices capsicum 1.0%, cinnamaldehyde 1.25 % and oregano oil 0.85 %).

Type
Theatre Presentations
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Science 2002

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References

Harrell, RJ, Thomas, MJ and Boyd, RD (1993). Limitations of sow milk yield on baby pig growth. In: Proceedings of the 1993 Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers, pp. 156164.Google Scholar
Platel, K and Srinvansan, K (1996). Influence of dietary spices or their active principles on digestive enzymes of small intestine mucosa in rats. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 47: 5559.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed