Potassium diformate in the diet of reproducing sows: Effect on performance of sows and litters
2009
Øverland, M. | Bikker, P. | Fledderus, J.
The effects of adding potassium diformate (K-diformate) to diets for primiparous and multiparous sows (DutchxScandinavian Landrace) (n =156) were evaluated with respect to performance of sows and their litters, apparent total tract digestibility (TD) of nutrients, milk composition, and microbiota of sows' feces. Treatments comprised a basal diet and a basal diet containing 0.8 or 1.2% K-diformate. The experiment lasted from mating, through gestation and lactation until the next mating. Sows were fed restrictively according to a commercial feeding regime during the gestation period, and had free access to feed from d 10 post-farrowing. The addition of K-diformate to diets increased backfat thickness (P =0.03) of sows during gestation. No effects on average daily feed intake or body weight gain were seen. Piglets born to sows receiving K-diformate tended to have increased individual (P =0.05) and litter (P =0.08) birth weight, tended to have increased average daily gain (ADG) (P =0.07) and to be heavier at weaning (P <0.05). Birth weights, ADG, and weaning weights were similar for piglets born from sows fed 0.8 and 1.2% K-diformate. There was no effect of K-diformate on the number of pigs born alive, number of stillborns or mortality rates of piglets. Adding 1.2% K-diformate to diets increased TD of ash by 4.9% (P =0.001) and crude fat by 3.4% (P =0.08), and calculated NE-content by 2.3% (P =0.02). Sows fed K-diformate tended (P =0.09) to show an increased milk fat content on d 12 post-farrowing. In conclusion, adding K-diformate to diets for sows had a positive effect on sows' backfat thickness in gestation and on growth performance of piglets.
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