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This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: jas.2008-1232v1 87/7/2299    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Corino, C. Articles by Rossi, R. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Corino, C. Articles by Rossi, R.

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

C. Corino^*, G. Pastorelli^*, F. Rosi, V. Bontempo^* and R. Rossi^*

^* Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technologies for Food Safety Department of Animal Science, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy

raffaella.rossi{at}unimi.it

Abstract

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 sows’ dietary CLA supplementation 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 starting 7 d before parturition and ending 7 d post-partum (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 the immunoglobulin (Ig) titer. Piglet weights 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 and serum insulin, glucose, NEFA, IGF-I, and leptin concentrations were not affected by CLA supplementation. The colostrum IgG, IgA, and IgM titers were greater in sows fed CLA than in control sows (P < 0.05). At weaning (21 d), piglets’ serum IgG titer was greater (P < 0.05) in both the T1 and T2 groups than the control group, but at 13 d post-weaning, 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 post-partum in improving piglets weight at weaning and immune components.

Key Words: conjugated linoleic acid • immunoglobulin • piglets • sows