PSV-13 The Effect of Supplementing Sows with the Leucine Metabolite Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate and Vitamin D3 Pre-parturition and During Lactation on Early Piglet Weight

Abstract Abstract: Several university studies supplementing calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) to sows have reported benefit to piglets such as a reduction in low birthweight piglets, increased piglet birth weight, and increased weaning weights. This study was designed to determine if these benefits would be observed in a commercial production setting using sows whose genetics are known for having a high number of piglets born, which generally results in lower average piglet birth weights. The study was conducted at a commercial farrow to finish operation (Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil) and sows studies were randomly assigned to either CaHMB/D (n=41, 3 g CaHMB plus 500 IU Vitamin D3) or a control (n=46, Maltodextrin and CaCO3). Treatments were applied as a top-dress to the morning ration and were applied from 10 days pre-farrowing throughout the lactational period. The results were analyzed using GLM in SAS and Least Square Means±SEM were reported. Piglets from CaHMB/D-supplemented sows had a greater average live birth weights (1.39±0.027 versus 1.32±0.026 kg, respectively, p < 0.05) and 24-hour weights (1.48±0.029 versus 1.39±0.028 kg. respectively, p < 0.02). Normal farm practices were utilized in an attempt to equalize piglet numbers across sows by cross fostering piglets after 24 hours. After analysis of the data at the end of the study, the significant early weight advantage for CaHMB/D-supplemented pigs was eliminated during the cross-fostering process. After equalization, the 24-hour average piglet weights were not significantly different (1.53±0.041 versus 1.45±0.039 kg in CaHMB/D and control, respectively) and, therefore, further advantages to supplementation were not observed. Conclusion: This study would appear to support that feeding CaHMB/D in late gestation and early lactation can improve early piglet weights and further studies with controlled cross-fostering and monitoring individual piglet weight gain are necessary to confirm this advantage is continued throughout the lactation period and into the grower phase.