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We investigated the effects of pre- and postnatal flavor exposure through the maternal diet on acceptance of a similarly flavored food and subsequent growth, health and behavior of newly weaned piglets. Sows were offered anise-flavored (F) or control (C) food during late gestation. Piglets were cross-fostered after birth, with each sow fostering 5 piglets from an F sow and 5 from a C sow. During lactation, sows were offered F or C food, resulting in FF, CF, FC and CC piglets. Piglets were weaned on day 25 and were given both control and flavored food for two weeks using a double food choice approach.
The flavored food was not preferred. Yet, prenatally exposed animals showed a higher (P<0,05) food intake and a higher body weight in the first days after weaning, and a lower (P<0,05) occurrence of diarrhea than non-exposed piglets. Prenatal exposure also increased (P<0,05) the latency to fight, and reduced (P<0,1) oral manipulation of pen mates and mounting during the first two weeks after weaning.
In conclusion, we found that prenatal exposure, but not postnatal exposure, of piglets to anisic flavor through the maternal diet increased food intake and body weight and reduced diarrhea and stress-induced behaviors in the first two weeks after weaning, suggesting improved health and welfare. Results indicate that the effects of prenatal exposure are likely to be established by either an increased acceptance of similar food types (generalization) or a reduction in stress and neophobia by the mere presence of a flavor in the postweaning environment that has been experienced in utero. The potential stress-reducing effects of prenatally learned flavors merit further research.
M Oostindjer, JE Bolhuis, H van den Brand, E Roura and B Kemp, 2010. Physiology & Behavior, 99: 579–586.
