Levucell SB improves the performance of hyperprolific sows

Modern sow management and genetics optimized production performance through hyperprolificacy. However, large litter sizes bring new issues for both the sow and piglets, with consequences on the performance pre- and post-weaning, immunity, and welfare. In this context, keeping a balanced digestive microbiota is essential to maintaining sow body condition and ensuring optimal piglet performance. Recent production trials with Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 (LEVUCELL SB) in Danbred sows brings new evidence.

Live yeast trial with Danbred sows

A production trial was conducted to evaluate the ability of S. c. boulardii CNCM I-1079 to benefit high-producing sows (Danbred genetics). The research was performed in 2019 in Murcia, Spain (Bravo De Laguna et al., 2020).

The study involved 148 Danbred sows and compared two supplementation diets against negative control:

• A standard dose of S. c. boulardii CNCM I-1079 during the full gestation and lactation cycle (1 x 109 CFU/kg)
• A double dose of S. c. boulardii CNCM I-1079 only with the lactation diet (2 x 109 CFU/kg).

Sows that received the live yeast probiotic during the full cycle showed the best performance as compared to a higher dose applied only in lactation feed (Figure 1) as measured by:

• More backfat during gestation
• Less stillborn piglets, even though the litters are larger
• Improved piglet growth performance and reduced mortality
• The benefits were stronger for younger sows (parity 1 and 2) (Figure 2).

Interpretation

S. c. boulardii is proven to act on gut functions at several levels: intestinal microbiota stabilization, gut integrity improvement, and natural defense modulation. These effects can help the sow better respond to peripartum challenges. Better intestinal comfort positively impacts the farrowing process and prepares sows for the lactation phase. It allows them to extract more nutrients from the diet and to ensure optimized milk production, directly reflecting on piglet growth post farrowing.

The establishment of a positive microbiota and its associated benefits takes time. This could explain why the long-term supplementation with a standard dose during the whole cycle gives better results than a double dose supplementation in lactation only.

 

Want to learn more about the benefits? Download our 5-pages white paper: 

Hyperprolific sows: focus on digestive welfare