Effects of flaxseed oil supplementation on lactating sows and their offspring

This study was conducted on sows to evaluate the effect of flaxseed oil on the sows and their offspring's performance. Forty-eight (48) sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) and their offspring were assigned randomly to each treatment (Control and Control + flaxseed oil 0.5% [FX]). Body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and nutrient digestibility of the sows were estimated. Sow backfat thickness, days-to-estrus, and chest circumference were measured by different methods. In piglets, survival rate, the initial weight, weaning weight, and average daily gain (ADG) were calculated. Fecal scores of both the sows and piglets were recorded. Inclusion of FX did not influence (p > 0.05) the litter size, days-to-estrus, sow BW, ADFI and digestibility of nutrient throughout the experiment. Reduction in (p < 0.05) BW loss was observed with the FX supplementation in sows. Only the backfat thickness during the weaning period showed an increase (p < 0.05) by FX supplementation. Chest circumference was decreased (p < 0.05) in the FX group compared to the control. Sows fed the FX diet had a reduced (p < 0.05) fecal score only at weaning. Piglets' fecal score showed no significant differences for FX supplementation. However, the inclusion of FX brought about a higher (p < 0.05) birth weight, weaning weight, and average daily gain (ADG). In conclusion, our study suggests that FX has positive supplementary effects on a sow's body condition and its offspring's performance as a source of n-3 fatty acid.