Phytogenic additives in the diet of lactating swine sows

• Grant number: 24/08220-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Cesar Augusto Pospissil Garbossa
• Grantee: Caroline Veloso
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The emergence of hyperprolific swine breeders led to larger litters and, consequently, greater productivity. However, this genetic advancement is also related to challenges, including a marked inflammatory and oxidative process, along with significant variability in litter birth weight. These factors contribute to an increase in stillbirths, reduction in piglet survival and sow longevity. Furthermore, in highly productive sows, nutrient intake through colostrum and breast milk can be a limiting factor in the initial growth of piglets. Therefore, the development of nutritional strategies becomes crucial to improve the efficiency of swine sows, especially given the growing interest in alternatives to performance-enhancing antibiotics. In this context, phytogenic additives have been studied as an alternative because they have antimicrobial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. They include extracts from plants such as broccoli, essential oils of turmeric, oregano, thyme and rosemary. Studies indicate that supplementing pig diets with phytogenics can have positive effects on intestinal health and the immune system, in addition to contributing to more sustainable production by reducing the production of harmful gases. In this way, the objective is to evaluate the effect of supplementation of phytogenic additives on the performance of swine matrices. 342 females from commercial hybrid strains will be used, divided into three experimental groups: 1- Supplementation with phytogenic additive 1; 2- Control group; 3- Supplementation with phytogenic additive 3. The performance of the sows, body score, birth kinetics, concentration of immunoglobulins in colostrum and milk will be evaluated, in addition to the performance of the piglets, birth weight, stillbirth, batch homogeneity and weaning weight. Analysis of blood components will be performed using a complete blood count, white blood cell count and evaluation of Interleukins (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12), Interferon alpha (IFN-±), Interferon Gamma (IFN-³) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-±). (AU)