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L-carnitine (CAR) supplementation to sows has already been demonstrated to benefit their reproductive performance, increasing the number of piglets born alive and their birth weight. However, most research was published over a decade ago and genetic selection has increased sow prolificacy since then, which has decreased mean piglet birth weight. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CAR supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, semitendinosus muscle (STM) maturity, and lifetime growth in progeny. Sixty-four sows were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments at breeding until weaning; CONTROL (0mg CAR/d), GEST (125mg CAR/d during gestation), LACT (250mg CAR/d during lactation), and BOTH (125mg CAR/d during gestation & 250mg CAR/d during lactation). Sow performance was registered and their offspring were monitored until slaughter, when carcass characteristics were determined. Additionally, at farrowing, one male piglet and one female piglet with an average birth weight were euthanized to collect STM tissue for histochemical analysis.
The total number of piglets born per litter was greater for sows supplemented with CAR during gestation (17.3 v 15.8 ± 0.52). Piglet birth weight (total and live) was unaffected by sow treatment. Total myofibre number and the expression level of selected myosin heavy chain genes in the STM was greater in piglets of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation. Pigs from sows supplemented with CAR during gestation had lighter carcasses at slaughter than pigs from non-supplemented sows during gestation (83.8 v 86.7 ± 0.86kg). In conclusion, CAR supplementation during gestation increased litter size at birth without compromising piglet birth weight. Results also showed that the STM of piglets born to sows supplemented with CAR during gestation was more developed at birth. However, carcass weight at slaughter was reduced in progeny of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation.
The CAR supplementation strategy applied during gestation in this study could be utilized by commercial pork producers to increase sow litter size and improve offspring muscle development.
Rooney HB, O’Driscoll K, Silacci P, Bee G, O’Doherty JV, Lawlor PG. Effect of dietary L-carnitine supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, muscle maturation and lifetime growth in progeny from large litters. British Journal of Nutrition. 2020; 124(1): 43-56. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114520000811
