Maternal potassium-magnesium sulfate supplementation in low-protein diets improves performance and health of sows and suckling piglets.
Supplementing low-protein diets with 0.50% potassium-magnesium sulfate can improve feed intake and health outcomes in sows and their piglets.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the kpv corpusSummary and findings
This study measured the effects of potassium-magnesium sulfate (PMS) supplementation in low-protein diets on sows and their piglets from day 107 of gestation to weaning. A total of 120 Yorkshire × Landrace sows were fed diets supplemented with 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% PMS. The findings indicated that 0.50% PMS significantly improved several performance and health metrics compared to the control group.
Abstract
Minerals such as magnesium and potassium in low-protein diets are critical for the relief of inflammation and enhancement of immune function in sows. This study investigated the potential of potassium-magnesium sulfate (PMS) supplementation on the performance and health of sows and their piglets from d 107 of gestation to weaning. A total of 120 Yorkshire × Landrace sows (parity 3-4; initial body weight 263.62 ± 3.60 kg; d 107 of gestation) were fed low-protein diets supplemented with 0.00 (control), 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% PMS. Each of the 4 treatments included 30 replicate sows, each sow serving as an experimental unit. Compared with the control, 0.50% PMS significantly increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) in sows and average weaning weight in piglets, weight gain per litter, and average daily gain (ADG), while also reducing diarrhea incidence (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Furthermore, the weaning-to-estrus interval decreased linearly with increasing PMS supplementation (<i>P</i> = 0.022). Compared with the control, PMS supplementation elevated serum magnesium, potassium, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and interleukin (IL)-10 levels in sows, and enhanced colostrum/milk magnesium, potassium, total solids, and IgG levels (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Compared with the control, PMS increased serum magnesium, potassium, IgA, IgG, IgM, and IL-10 levels, and reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels during lactation (<i>P</i> < 0.05) in piglets. Microbiota analysis using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and <i>t</i>-tests showed that, compared with the control, 0.50% PMS enriched <i>Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group</i>, <i>Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group</i>, <i>Subdoligranulum</i>, and <i>Butyrivibrio</i> in the sow rectum (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that PMS supplementation in low-protein diets during lactation can improve the productivity and health of sows and their offspring by alleviating inflammatory responses, improving immune function, and increasing the abundance of short-chain fatty acids producing and other potentially beneficial microbiota in the rectum, with 0.50% PMS showing a favorable overall response.
Background
This study addresses the role of minerals like magnesium and potassium in low-protein diets for sows, particularly regarding inflammation relief and immune function enhancement. Prior research has suggested that dietary supplementation can influence reproductive performance and health outcomes in livestock. Understanding the impact of potassium-magnesium sulfate (PMS) supplementation could provide insights into improving sow productivity and piglet health.
Methods
The study utilized a controlled design with 120 Yorkshire × Landrace sows (parity 3-4; initial body weight 263.62 ± 3.60 kg) fed low-protein diets supplemented with 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% PMS from day 107 of gestation to weaning. Each treatment group consisted of 30 replicate sows, with each sow serving as an experimental unit. Primary outcomes included average daily feed intake, average weaning weight, and immunological markers.
Results
The primary endpoint showed that 0.50% PMS significantly increased average daily feed intake in sows and average weaning weight in piglets compared to the control group, p<0.05. Additionally, the weaning-to-estrus interval decreased linearly with increasing PMS supplementation, p=0.022. Serum levels of magnesium and potassium were elevated in sows receiving PMS, p<0.05.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that PMS supplementation can enhance performance metrics in sows and piglets, aligning with existing literature on the benefits of mineral supplementation in livestock diets. However, while the statistical significance is noted, the clinical relevance of these findings in broader agricultural practices remains to be fully evaluated. Limitations such as the study's sample size and lack of long-term follow-up may confound the conclusions.
Key findings
- 0.50% PMS significantly increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) in sows, p<0.05.
- Average weaning weight in piglets increased with 0.50% PMS compared to control, p<0.05.
- Weaning-to-estrus interval decreased linearly with increasing PMS supplementation, p=0.022.
- Serum magnesium and potassium levels in sows were elevated with PMS supplementation, p<0.05.
- PMS reduced diarrhea incidence in piglets, p<0.05.
Limitations
- small n=120 sows
- short follow-up duration to assess long-term effects
- not reported in abstract