Beta-glucans supplementation for sows during gestation and lactation.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary beta-glucans supplementation for gestation and lactation sows of 1st, 2nd or 3rd parity on sows and litters performance, milk composition and Brix value of colostrum, hemogram and serum immunoglobulin G concentration of sows and piglets.

Methods: A total of 78 sows were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2x3 factorial scheme, with two supplementation levels (0 and 450 mg/kg of beta-glucans) and three parities (1st, 2nd or 3rd).

Results: No interaction was observed between supplementation and parturition for any of the analyzed variables.

Organic selenium and vitamin E for gilts and sows bred in equatorial climate.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary supplementation of organic selenium (Se) and vitamin E for sows from 1st and 2nd parity order, without adiabatic cooling on physiological parameters, reproductive performance, milk composition, litter performance and blood concentrations of antioxidant enzymes. A total of 96 sows were allotted in a 4 × 2 completely factorial design, with 4 experimental groups and 2 parity orders (1st and 2nd). The experimental groups consisted of: ACCon-sows receiving adiabatic cooling and no dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E; WACCon-sows without adiabatic cooling and no dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E; WACSe-sows without adiabatic cooling with dietary supplementation of 0.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 on performance, colostrum and milk composition, and litter performance of mixed-parity sows in a tropical humid climate.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (SB) for sows on their productive performance, colostrum and milk composition, and litter performance, in tropical humid climatic conditions. A total of 105 sows (Topigs Norsvin®) were allotted to a 5 × 3 completely randomized factorial design, with five diets (control diet; SBGL4 and SBGL8: 0.