Supplementation of diets with omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae: Effects on sow reproductive performance and metabolic parameters

• Published in: Livestock science 2018-01, Vol.207, p.59-62
• Main Authors: Posser, C.J.M., Almeida, L.M., Moreira, F., Bianchi, I., Gasperin, B.G., Lucia, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Birth weight; DHA; Litter size; Metabolism; Sows; Stillbirths
• ISSN: 1871-1413; 1878-0490
• DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.11.006

Supplementation of diets with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may benefit sow reproductive performance, but the efficiency of algae as a source of PUFA is still unknown. This study evaluated serum levels of metabolic markers and reproductive performance of sows supplemented with the heterotrophic microalgae Schizochytium sp. Sows (n = 596) were supplemented from the 85th day of gestation, during lactation and until the weaning-estrous interval (WEI). Microalgae were included at five levels: 0 (control); 3.5; 7.0; 14.0; and 28.0g/d. Blood samples were collected at the 85th day of gestation, at the 10th d of lactation and at the last day prior to weaning (WEI). Serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin-like growth factor type-1 (IGF-1) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were evaluated. At the parity concurrent with the supplementation, no effects were observed on stillborn rates (P > 0.05), sows fed 28.0g/d farrowed heavier piglets than sows fed lower levels (P < 0.05), but the WEI for sows fed 7.0g/d was longer than for the control (P < 0.05). Serum levels of triglycerides were decreased during gestation, only for sows supplemented with 14.0 and 28.0g/d (P < 0.05). At the subsequent parity, there was no difference on stillborn rates and total litter size (P > 0.05). The highest tested concentration (28.0g/d) of Schizochytium sp. was associated with reduced serum levels of triglycerides during gestation and with increased piglet birth weight, but the supplementation generally did not benefit sow reproductive performance. •Sow diets were supplemented with omega-3 from microalgae, from the 85th gestation day until the weaning-to-estrous interval (WEI).•There was no effect on stillbirths at both the concurrent and the subsequent parity.•The WEI for sows fed 7.0 g/d was longer than for the control.•Lower serum levels of triglycerides occurred during gestation for sows fed 14.0 and 28.0 g/d.•Supplementation did not benefit sow reproductive performance.