| Effects of Dietary Protein Levels in Early Gestation on Reproductive Performance, Oxidative Stress, and Placental Nutrient Transport in Sows |
| Paper ID : 1273-IGA |
| Authors |
|
Ying Zhao *1, martine SCHROYEN1, long xi li2 1Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, TERRA Teaching and Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium 2Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100081, China |
| Abstract |
| Background and Aim: Early pregnancy is a critical period for embryo implantation and rapid placental development. Dietary protein plays a key role in sow reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dietary protein levels during early pregnancy on reproductive performance, oxidative stress, and placental nutrient transport in multiparous sows. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 multiparous Landrace × Large White sows were randomly assigned to three groups. From day 0 to day 30 of gestation, the sows were fed 2.5kg/d diets containing 12% (low protein, LP), 13.5% (medium protein, MP), or 15% (high protein, HP) crude protein. After that, all sows were fed the same gestation diet. Blood samples were collected from sows at day 30 of gestation (GD 30), and placentas were collected at farrowing. Total litter size, number of live piglets, and number of mummified fetuses were recorded. Results: The results showed no significant effect on total litter size, number of live piglets, or number of mummified fetuses. However, sows in HP group exhibited certain hepatic stress and increased oxidative stress on GD 30. This oxidative stress was also observed in the placenta, suggesting that the effects of dietary protein on maternal oxidative status during early pregnancy may persist until parturition. Serum amino acid profiling revealed higher levels of valine, isoleucine, leucine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine in HP group. Moreover, maternal protein intake during early pregnancy did not affect placental nutrient transport function. Conclusion: In summary, higher protein intake during early pregnancy may disturb maternal metabolism and redox balance, whereas lower protein levels help improve maternal metabolic health and oxidative homeostasis without adversely affecting reproductive performance. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing protein feeding strategies in modern gestating sows to enhance reproductive efficiency and safeguard maternal health. |
| Keywords |
| maternal protein, early pregnancy, reproductive performance, oxidative stress, nutrient transport, sow |
| Status: Accepted |
