The Role of Dietary Fiber in Improving Pig Welfare
Sungho Do,
Jae-Cheol Jang,
Geon-Il Lee,
Yoo-Yong Kim
Affiliations
Sungho Do
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
Jae-Cheol Jang
Department of Animal Science, Gyeongsang National University, 33 Dongjin-ro, Gyeonsangnam-do, Jinjusi 52725, Republic of Korea
Geon-Il Lee
Division of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
Yoo-Yong Kim
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
This review aims to discuss the effects of dietary fiber sources with various levels on stereotypic behaviors in sows. There are a variety of dietary fiber sources that are supplemented to feeds for sows. However, dietary fiber sources have different physio-chemical properties, leading to controversial results in feed motivation, nutrient digestibility, and behaviors in sows fed fiber-rich diets. Findings from previous studies indicated that soluble fiber delays nutrient absorption and decreases physical activity after feeding. In addition to this, it increases volatile fatty acid production, provides energy, and prolongs the feeling of satiety. It also prevents certain stereotypies and thus is paramount to sow welfare.
