Effect of Microencapsulated Medium-Chain Fatty Acids, Lignocellulose, and Heat-Killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 Supplementation on Lactating Sow Performance, and Nutritional and Immunological Parameters in Colostrum

Feeding and nutrition of sows during late-gestation and lactation are crucial for maximizing piglet production and survival. In this study, the administration of microencapsulated medium-chain fatty acids (miMCFA) demonstrated significant enhancement of live-born piglet numbers, and elevated colostrum yield. Furthermore, the synergistic application of miMCFA in conjunction with lignocellulose and heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L137 (HKL137) exhibited additional neonatal piglet benefits and sow performance, specifically in terms of fat content and immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) concentrations in colostrum. Compared to the control group, sows with enhanced immune transfer produced 60.5% more colostrum during their first piglet parturition period. The colostrum exhibited increased concentrations of lipids (28%) along with significant IgG and IgM levels. These results highlight our strategic feeding leads to higher colostrum quality resulting in increasing the number of live-born piglets.