Effects of Phenolic Phytogenic Feed Additives on Certain Oxidative Damage Biomarkers and the Performance of Primiparous Sows Exposed to Heat Stress under Field Conditions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two commercial phenolic phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on sows under heat stress conditions of high summer temperatures for seven days before and seven days after the farrowing. The PFA-1 product was a mixture based on the plants Emblica officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Citrus sinensis and nut fiber, while the PFA-2 product was a mixture based on plants Andrographis paniculata, Glycyrrhizia glabra, Tinospora cordifolia and nut fiber. A total of 48 primiparous sows were divided into three groups: T1-control group: regular gestation (GF) and lactation feed (LF); T2 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with PFA-1; T3 group: regular GF and LF supplemented with PFA-2. Each sow in the T2 and T3 groups received 5 g daily of the PFA-1 and PFA-2 product, respectively, for seven days before and seven days after the farrowing. Blood samples were collected from all groups 24 h after farrowing. Thiobarbituric acid--reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl (CARB) concentrations were determined in the sow plasma. The body condition scoring (BCS) and the backfat of sows on the farrowing and weaning days along with reproductive parameters and litter characteristics were recorded. The highest number of stillborn piglets and the largest interval from weaning to estrus were observed in the T1 group. The lowest number of alive 24 h after birth and weaning piglets and the lowest BCS and backfat at weaning were also recorded in the T1 group. TBARS and CARB concentrations were significant higher in the T1 group compared to all other groups. In conclusion, the use of phenolic PFAs seems to reduce oxidative damage caused by heat stress and ameliorate performance in primiparous sows.

Keywords: PFAs; TBARS; heat stress; phenolic; pig; protein carbonyls.

Figure 1

An overview of experimental design, records, samplings, and tests performed.

Figure 2

Mean daily value of THI-1 and THI-2 indexes and standard error (bars) 7 days before (-) and 7 days after (+) farrowing (*).

Figure 3

Dot and box and whisker plots of: (a) stillborn piglets (#/litter); (b) alive over 24 h piglets (#/litter); (c) number of weaning (pigs/litter); and (d) weaning to estrus interval (days), in control group (T1), group fed with PFA-1 (T2) and group fed with PFA-2 (T3). #: Number; ^A,B Different letters above bars are indicative of significant difference (p < 0.05).

Figure 4

Dot and box and whisker plots of: (a) body condition scoring (BCS) of sows at weaning day; and (b) the weaning to estrus interval, in control group (T1), group fed with Herb-All HEAT-A (T2) and group fed with Herb-All HEAT-D (T3). ^A,B Different letters above bars are indicative of significant difference (p < 0.05).

Figure 5

Dot and box and whisker plots of: (a) Thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS); and (b,c) protein carbonyls (CARB) concentrations in control group (T1), group fed with Herb-All HEAT-A (T2) and group fed with Herb-All HEAT-D (T3). ^A,B Different letters above bars are indicative of significant difference (p < 0.05).