Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid supplementation in sows on performance and immunoglobulin concentration in piglets1

Conjugated linoleic acid isomers may affect the onset and severity of several diseases, including tumors, atherogenesis, and obesity. They may also modulate the immune response. However, little information regarding the most advantageous duration of CLA supplementation is available. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the length of dietary CLA supplementation of a sow affects growth, immune components, and metabolic and hormonal factors in lactating sows and piglets. Gestating sows were fed a control (0%) and a 0.5% CLA-supplemented diet beginning 7 d before parturition and ending 7 d postpartum (T1), or until weaning (T2; 7 sows per treatment). Colostrum and sow and piglet blood samples were collected for the determination of serum metabolite concentrations and immunoglobulin titer. Piglet BW at weaning were greater (P < 0.05) in the CLA groups compared with the control. Dietary CLA supplementation increased (P < 0.05) serum thyroxine concentration in sows, but serum insulin, glucose, NEFA, IGF-I, and leptin concentrations were not affected by CLA supplementation. Colostral IgG, IgA, and IgM titers were greater in sows fed CLA than in control sows (P < 0.05). At weaning (21 d), serum IgG titer of the piglets was greater (P < 0.05) in the T1 and T2 groups than the control group, but at 13 d postweaning, a difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the control and T2 group. The results from this study indicate potential beneficial effects of 0.5% dietary CLA supplementation from 7 d before parturition until 7 d postpartum in improving BW at weaning and immune components in piglets.