In recent research conducted by scholars at Yibin University, the combination of nano selenium (nano-Se), curcumin (CUR), and glycyrrhiza extracts (GE) has shown promising effects on the reproductive performance and antioxidant capabilities of primiparous sows. The study aimed to explore not only how these supplements affect sows’ health during pregnancy but also the subsequent growth performance of their piglets.
A total of 54 primiparous sows of the Landrace × Yorkshire breed were used in the trial, which lasted approximately 180 days, extending from the 90th day of their gestation period to the point of their second parity. The sows were randomly assigned to one of three dietary groups: a control group receiving a standard diet containing a baseline amount of selenium, a group supplemented with 300 mg/kg of curcumin alongside nano-Se, and a third group receiving 500 mg/kg of glycyrrhiza extract combined with nano-Se.
Results indicated that while no significant differences in reproductive performance were observed among the three groups, piglets from sows in the GE group exhibited a remarkable 16.49% increase in litter weight gain compared to the control group. Additionally, the GE supplement notably improved serum antioxidant levels, elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA)—a marker of oxidative stress.
The dietary supplementation not only improved antioxidant metrics but also had favorable impacts on immune functions of the sows, as indicated by changes in serum levels of interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, crucial markers in the immune response. Notably, the addition of nano-Se along with CUR or GE significantly enhanced both the antioxidant capacity and immune defense in primiparous sows, as highlighted by the authors of the article.
Oxidative stress poses a significant challenge during the later stages of pregnancy, as it can negatively affect both the mother and her offspring. The antioxidants present in nano-Se, CUR, and GE provide a buffer against such stressors. The findings suggest that these supplements could play a vital role in promoting better health outcomes for sows, thereby enhancing reproductive performance and improving the health of offspring.
The research methodology was well-documented, complying with the ethical guidelines of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Careful measures were taken throughout the trial to ensure that data collected on reproductive performance, piglet health at birth, and maternal health were comprehensive and representative. Blood samples taken at farrowing allowed for an in-depth analysis of immune capabilities and oxidative stress indicators.
While the study did not find significant differences in reproductive metrics like the number of live births or farrowing duration among the treatment groups, the GE group did yield a higher number of healthy piglets in both the initial and subsequent litters. Furthermore, variations in farrowing durations suggest potential benefits that may warrant further investigation.
In conclusion, supplementing primiparous sows’ diets with nano-Se and plant extracts such as curcumin and glycyrrhiza not only appears to enhance the growth performance of their offspring but also positively influences the sows’ antioxidant status and immune functionality. These findings can contribute to a broader understanding of nutritional strategies aimed at improving animal welfare and commercial production outcomes in the swine industry. The research underscores the need for ongoing studies in this domain to examine the long-term implications of such dietary interventions on sows and the subsequent generations of piglets.
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