Identifying Suitable Supplements to Improve Piglet Survival during Farrowing and Lactation

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The death of piglets during birth and prior to weaning is a concern for welfare and affects the profitability of production systems. Four distinct parameters can be identified as having a direct impact on the survival of piglets to weaning. These parameters are stillbirth rate, birth weight and weight variation, daily gain and weaning weight, and colostrum and milk quality. These four parameters were found to benefit from different supplements provided to the sow around the time of farrowing (giving birth). For example, stillbirth could be reduced by supplements in late pregnancy, including forms of arginine, alpha-tocopherol-selenium, uridine, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, whereas average daily weight gain and weaning weight of the piglets were closely related to supplements which improved colostrum and milk quality. Therefore, an effective supplement plan to improve piglet survival must consider the circumstances of the individual system and target one or more of the highlighted parameters. It is unlikely that any one supplement will successfully target all four parameters discussed. ABSTRACT: Piglet mortality during parturition and prior to weaning is an ongoing economic and welfare issue. This review collates the current literature describing the effects of specific dietary supplements on key parameters affecting piglet survival. Four distinct parameters were identified as having a direct impact on the survival of piglets to weaning: stillbirth rate, birth weight and weight variation, daily gain and weaning weight, and colostrum and milk quality. In the primary stage, relevant literature from the past 5 years was reviewed, followed by a secondary review of literature older than 5 years. The focal parameters benefitted from different supplements. For example, stillbirth may be reduced by supplements in late gestation, including forms of arginine, alpha-tocopherol-selenium, uridine, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast culture, whereas average daily gain and weaning weight were related closely to supplements which improved colostrum and milk quality, most commonly fats and fatty acids in the form of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, soybean oil, and fish oil, and polysaccharides, such as ginseng polysaccharide. Therefore, an effective supplement plan for piglet mortality reduction must consider the circumstances of the individual system and target one or more of the highlighted parameters.