Pre-partum catabolism: a novel approach to maximize lactational performance in sows

• Grant number: 24/20074-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Nutrition and Feeding
• Principal Investigator: Cesar Augusto Pospissil Garbossa
• Grantee: Cesar Augusto Pospissil Garbossa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Bruno Bracco Donatelli Muro ; Thiago Bernardino de Almeida

Abstract

Within the swine production chain, a key metric for evaluating productive efficiency is the number of piglets weaned per sow per year (DFA). With advancements in genetic selection techniques, more prolific sows are now capable of weaning over 40 piglets per year, representing significant progress in terms of productivity. However, this increase in the number of piglets poses considerable challenges, particularly related to the metabolic load placed on the sows. This higher metabolic effort can result in reduced longevity of the sows, compromising the long-term sustainability of production. Therefore, it is crucial to find ways to optimize reproductive performance without increasing the metabolic stress on the sows. One strategy that has gained attention in recent years is the adaptation of sow diets during the transition period, which corresponds to the last 10 days of gestation and the first 10 days of lactation. This period is critical, as it is marked by intense metabolic changes to both support fetal growth and ensure milk production for the litter. Proper nutritional modifications during this interval have the potential to improve not only the performance of the sows but also the development of the piglets, while mitigating the negative effects associated with the high metabolic load. The objective of this project is to deepen the understanding of the effects of catabolism during the last two weeks of gestation on the metabolism, productive performance, and reproductive parameters of sows. To achieve this, the project will be conducted in two main phases. In the first phase, a pilot project will be carried out focusing on the refinement of analytical methods, ensuring that the measurement techniques used are precise and relevant to the proposed objectives. The second phase, which represents the main study, will employ advanced tools for body measurement of the sows, along with detailed analyses to quantify maternal metabolism and identify potential deleterious effects resulting from the high metabolic load during late gestation. This approach is expected to not only enhance the understanding of the physiological responses of sows but also to develop more effective nutritional strategies that can be implemented in practice, contributing to increased longevity and productivity of sows. (AU)