EFFECT OF POLYUNSATURATION OF DIETARY FATTY ACIDS ON BODY WEIGHT AND MILK FATTY ACIDS OF SOWS AND ON LITTLE LITTER

Abstract

The level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in sow’s diet can modify their productive and reproductive performance, as well as the level of PUFA in milk fat; especially in the proportions of omega 3 and 6. This study aimed to compare the effects of two levels of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) on milk’s profile, live weight and reproductive activity of sows, as well as on the litter weight. Two experimental diets, 32 and 55 % of total PUFA, were randomly assigned to 50 sows; starting from the first week before parturition until 21 d post-parturition. Milk samples were collected (parturition day and 14 d after) to measure the FA profile. The live weight and backfat thickness in sows were recorded at 42 d of gestation, one week before parturition, and 21 d post-parturition; the days until return to estrus and the number of services per conception were also recorded. In the litter, the piglets’ weight at birth and weaning were recorded. The proportion of saturated and monounsaturated FA was higher in the diet with 32 % of PUFA, as compared with the 55 % diet, but this did not affect the live weight nor the post-parturition reproduction in sows. The milk fat of sows fed with 32 % of PUFA had a higher saturation level than the one from sows fed with 55 % of PUFA; this had no effect on the piglets’ weight. A higher degree of dietary PUFA increases the PUFA of milk fat without affecting the sow’s live weight and that of its litter.