A recent study published in the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology examines the impact of spray-dried plasma (SDP) in sow diets, particularly in hot environments. The findings suggest that SDP supplementation can enhance litter performance, reduce oxidative stress, and improve piglet vitality.
The Role of SDP in Sow Diets
Spray-dried plasma has long been used in weanling pig diets to improve growth, but its effects on lactating sows and their piglets have been less explored. Researchers tested whether adding 0.5% SDP to sow diets in late gestation and lactation could reduce inflammation and improve reproductive outcomes.
The study, conducted at the University of Illinois, involved feeding 79 Camborough sows either a standard diet or one containing 0.5% SDP. The sows were housed in a heat-stressed environment (average 26.6°C) to assess the benefits of SDP under challenging conditions.
Key Findings
- Improved Piglet Survival: The percentage of low vitality or starved piglets was significantly lower in sows fed SDP.
- Reduced Stillbirths: The study found a trend toward fewer stillborn and mummified piglets in SDP-fed sows.
- Better Growth Performance: Piglets weaned from SDP-fed sows had lower diarrhea incidence and improved growth during the nursery phase, particularly when fed a diet containing SDP.
- Cytokine Response: SDP increased serum cytokine levels in sows, indicating an immunomodulatory effect that may help counteract heat stress.
What This Means for Producers
The results suggest that including SDP in sow diets during late gestation and lactation can enhance piglet vitality and improve early growth performance. With heat stress being a significant challenge in swine production, SDP could be a valuable tool for maintaining productivity in challenging environments.
As the industry continues to seek innovative nutrition strategies, SDP may play a larger role in improving sow and piglet health.
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