Dietary supplementation with algae and polyphenols in lactating sows: effects on sows and piglets' performance.

Abstract

The decrease of the use of antibiotic has promoted the scientific research towards the identification
and study of natural substances able to improve animal performance and welfare (Hashemi et al.,
2011; Daglia, 2012; Maghin et al., 2014). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mixture
of algae plus polyphenols (Algatan Mater®) on piglet and sow performance when used as dietary
supplements to the sows. Eighty-four sows (42 per batch) were divided in two groups fed a control
and Algatan Mater® supplemented diet. Feed intake, backfat thickness and blood samples at entry in
farrowing room and at 21 days of lactation, and sows’ reproductive data until the next service were
collected. Haematochemical parameters and antioxidant status of sows were analysed. Weight at
birth, after cross-fostering and at 21 days of lactation were recorded to each litter. Backfat loss
tended to be lower (P=0.07) in sows treated than control. The administration of algae plus
polyphenols in sows improved (P<0.05) the piglets average daily gain and body weight at 21 days of
lactation (P=0.014, Figure 1a.). Haematochemical parameters and antioxidant activity of blood was
not affected by dietary treatment. The total number of piglets born at the next farrowing from
treated group was higher (P=0.04) than controls (Figure 1b). The inclusion in lactating sows of
Algatan Mater® improves lactating sows and piglets’ performance. Further research is needed to
explore the mechanism of action of this natural mixture.