Maternal supplementation with phytogenic additives influenced the faecal microbiota and reproductive potential in sows

Abstract

Sows undergo physiological stress during gestation and lactation, potentially leading to enteric dysbiosis and reduced reproductive potential. Phytogenic additives (PFs) may improve performance via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This study determined whether the provision of a gestation/lactation diet containing PAs would alter the gastrointestinal microbiota of sows and their piglets, and improve performance. Sows received a commercial diet throughout gestation and lactation (CTR; n = 64), a commercial diet throughout gestation and a diet containing PAs in lactation (CTR-PA; n = 63) or a commercial diet containing PAs in gestation and lactation (PA; n = 90). Sows were weighed and backfat recorded after mating and at entry and exit from the farrowing house and piglets were weighed on days 1 and 21 of life. Faecal samples collected from sows at farrowing house entry and piglets at 21 and 35 d were subjected to 16 S rRNA gene amplicon analysis. The addition of PAs to sow diets resulted in more piglets born (P = 0.03), however, it did not improve the number of liveborn piglets (P = 0.14). There were no differences in sow weight, P2 backfat depth or lactation feed intake observed. PAs had no effect on piglet weight or survival to weaning but did alter the faecal microbiota of sows, and this change was observed in piglets at 21 and 35 d. PA supplementation to sows has the potential to increase litter size, while also potentially influencing gastrointestinal tract health of the sow and piglets reared.

Keywords: Bacteria; Gut health; PFA; Pig; Production.

Fig. 1

Classified genera significantly altered (P < 0.01) in the faeces of sows fed two different diets: a control diet (CTR), and a control diet supplemented with a PA during gestation

Fig. 2

Venn diagram of core microbiota at the genus level between sows and piglets at 21 and 35 days of age

Fig. 3

Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) showing the relationship among 21-day old piglets reared on sows fed different dietary treatments (CTR, CTR-PA and PA). Each dot represents the microbiota profile from one piglet, while each ellipse represents the groups. Discriminant analysis (DA) eigenvalues of the analysis are displayed inset

Fig. 4

Genera significantly altered (P < 0.05) in the faeces of 21-day old piglets reared on sows fed different dietary treatments (CTR, CTR-PA and PA). Subscripts that differ denote a significant difference

Fig. 5

Boxplots demonstrating the change at genus level in A Chao1, B Richness and C Shannon’s diversity for 35-day old piglets that were reared on sows fed different dietary treatments (CTR, CTR-PA and PA). Subscripts that differ denote a significant difference

Fig. 6

Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) showing the relationships among 35-day old piglets reared on sows fed different dietary treatments (CTR, CTR-PA and PA). Each dot represents the microbiota profile from one piglet, while each ellipse represents the groups. Discriminant analysis (DA) eigenvalues of the analysis are displayed inset

Fig. 7

Genera significantly altered (P < 0.05) in the faeces of 35-day old piglets reared on sows fed different dietary treatments (CTR, CTR-PA and PA). Subscripts that differ denote a significant difference