Pig Farming

Dietary Supplementation of folic acid & Its Effect on the performance of suckling piglets and sows during lactation

November 19, 2023

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Dietary Supplementation of folic acid & Its Effect on the performance of suckling piglets and sows during lactation

Folic acid, a B-vitamin essential for cellular function and DNA synthesis, plays a pivotal role in the reproductive success and overall health of swine. As lactation is a demanding phase for both sows and piglets, ensuring adequate folic acid supplementation becomes paramount. This article explores the impact of dietary folic acid supplementation on the performance of suckling piglets and sows during lactation, shedding light on the potential benefits for swine production.

India is among the top five countries of the world in swine production. Meeting the nutritional requirement according to ICMR recommendation is the biggest challenge in the fast growing country like India. Now, majority of the protein needs are fulfilled from egg and meat from poultry source. To fulfill the future demand, the piggery sector is one of the best sources for meat production due to its best feed conversion efficiency, high dressing percentage (70-80%), early maturity (8-9 months), short generation interval (2 litters/year) and relatively small space requirement, which has resulted in increased interest to take up pig farming in a modern and scientific manner.

Modern systems of pig rearing, higher litter size at birth and rapid post-weaning growth rate increase the requirement of both major and minor as well as trace elements. Folic acid is one such important micro-nutrient needed in considerable amount for the growth and development of conceptus and placental development (Pond and Houpt, 1978). Folic acid is made from a B vitamin called folate. Folate plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and helps a baby’s neural tube development into brain and spinal cord.

Further, homocysteine (HCY) concentration is typically several fold higher in pigs than other species, as a result the supply of methionine cycle intermediate (methyl donor) may be imbalanced (Cronje, 2008). Homocysteine is an amino acid. Vitamin B₁₂, B₆ and folate break down homocysteine to create other chemicals that a human body needs. High homocysteine levels may mean a vitamin deficiency.

The higher level of HCY inhibits the production of endothelial nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator that regulates the blood flow (Stuhlinger et al., 2001). An impaired synthesis of NO in the placental vasculature will result in poor transfer of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus which could result in intrauterine growth retardation (IGUR) (Cronje, 2008). Elevated HCY induces oxidative stress by forming reactive oxygen substances and inhibiting antioxidant activity. To overcome all these negative effects, supra-nutritional folic acid supplementation in the maternal and offspring diet is essential. Gestation and lactational folic acid supplementation influence the transfer of folate from the sow to the fetus, which could prevent intrauterine growth retardation (Cronje, 2008).

Folic acid B₉ is recognized as a factor of great importance in the control of sow’s prolificacy (Matte et al.,1984). Matte and Girard (1999) reported that an adequate dietary folic acid concentration would be at least 10 ppm for a gestating prolific sow.

Folic Acid in Swine Nutrition:

Role in DNA Synthesis:

Cell Division: Folic acid is crucial for cell division and the synthesis of DNA.
Tissue Growth: During lactation, rapid cell growth in piglets and mammary tissues necessitates increased folic acid availability.

Methylation Processes:

Methionine Synthesis: Folic acid contributes to the synthesis of methionine, an amino acid crucial for protein metabolism.
Epigenetic Regulation: Methylation processes influenced by folic acid play a role in gene expression and development.

Red Blood Cell Formation:

Anemia Prevention: Folic acid is involved in the formation of red blood cells, preventing anemia in sows and supporting overall vitality.

Impact on Suckling Piglets:

Improved Growth Rates:

Enhanced Nutrient Utilization: Adequate folic acid levels contribute to improved nutrient absorption and utilization in piglets.
Weight Gain: Studies suggest a positive correlation between folic acid supplementation and increased weight gain in suckling piglets.

Cognitive Development:

Neurological Benefits: Folic acid is linked to neurological development, potentially influencing cognitive functions in piglets.
Behavioral Traits: Improved cognitive development may positively impact behavioral traits and adaptability.

Reduced Mortality Rates:

Enhanced Immunity: Folic acid’s role in immune function may contribute to reduced susceptibility to infections, lowering mortality rates in piglets.

Benefits for Lactating Sows:

Enhanced Milk Composition:

Nutrient-Rich Milk: Folic acid supplementation may contribute to the production of nutrient-rich milk.
Improved Piglet Nutrition: Suckling piglets receive higher-quality milk, positively impacting their growth and development.

Uterine Health:

Reduced Uterine Involution: Folic acid’s role in cell division may contribute to reduced uterine involution postpartum, supporting sow reproductive health.

Reproductive Performance:

Optimized Reproductive Cycling: Adequate folic acid levels may contribute to the sow’s ability to return to estrus and conceive promptly after weaning.
Increased Litter Size: Studies suggest a potential link between folic acid supplementation and increased litter sizes.

Practical Considerations:

Optimal Dietary Levels:

Recommendations: Research indicates that supplementing folic acid above the NRC recommendations may yield additional benefits.
Precision Nutrition: Tailoring folic acid levels to the specific needs of the herd enhances precision nutrition.

Feed Formulation:

Uniform Distribution: Ensuring uniform distribution of folic acid in the sow’s diet promotes consistent intake.
Pelleted Diets: Pelleted diets may aid in maintaining the stability of folic acid during feed processing.

Consideration of Other Nutrients:

Synergistic Effects: Folic acid’s interactions with other B-vitamins and nutrients should be considered for comprehensive nutritional management.
Balanced Diets: Formulating diets that provide a balance of essential nutrients supports overall health and performance.

Conclusion:

Dietary supplementation of folic acid emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the performance of both suckling piglets and lactating sows. From improved growth rates and cognitive development in piglets to enhanced milk composition and reproductive performance in sows, the potential benefits underscore the importance of folic acid in swine nutrition. As the swine industry continues to seek sustainable and efficient production practices, optimizing folic acid levels in the diet stands out as a valuable tool for supporting the health and productivity of sow and piglet populations alike.

Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

Image-Courtesy-Google

Reference-On Request