January 31, 2008

Arginine supplementation in pig diets increase birthrate

A recent study funded by USDA showed that the additional supplementation of amino acid, arginine, in standard corn and soy-based maternal diets enhances reproductive performance in pigs.

Researchers Guoyao Wu, Sung Woo Kim and colleagues that conducted studies that were funded by the USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, found that the dietary intervention could promote a healthy gestation period.

Compared to control sows that receive no additional arginine in their diets, researchers found that the arginine supplementation increased the number and total litter weight of piglets born alive by two per litter and 24 percent, respectively.

Scientists recommend for an additional 0.83-percent arginine between days 30 and 114 of gestation.

The modified diet, according to the studies, lowers prenatal death and boosts fetal growth in pigs as it enhances placental development, thereby promoting an optimal intrauterine environment throughout pregnancy.

Furthermore, researchers pointed that the rampant practice of restricted feeding programmes to prevent excessive weight gain of sows during pregnancy may result in increased death and reduced growth of fetuses.

With a restricted programme, sows may not receive sufficient amounts of nutrients needed during mid to late gestation period.

The research findings will aid producers in reaping significant economic return as an increase in the number of live-born pigs will lower the production costs associated with sow reproduction and lactation. An increase in the vitality of newborn pigs will in turn increase the pigs' rate of survival to weaning.