Evaluation of fatty acid profile of colostrum and milk fat of different sow breeds

Poor survival and growth are two major problems for newborn piglets, a major reason for which is improper oils formulated in the sow milk replacer-based. Characteristics of fatty acid (FA) profiles of sow milks need to be determined to provide the scientific basis for manufacture of piglet formulas. FAs from two lactation stages (colostrum, and milk) of five breeds (Landrace × Large White, Landrace, Large White, Duroc, and Pietrain) were investigated. Colostrum had significantly higher levels of C18:2 n-6 (38.3%) than milk; C18:1 n-9 (30.9%) and C16:0 (24.8%) concentrations in milk were significantly higher than those in colostrum. No significant differences were found in C18:2 n-6 and C18:1 n-9 concentrations of colostrum among breeds, whereas in milk, Duroc and Pietrain breeds showed lower C18:1 n-9 levels than Landrace and Large White breeds. These results could be used as a strategic tool to optimise piglet formulas to enhance piglet survival and growth.