Effect of Yeast Culture on Reproductive Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Milk Composition in Primiparous Sows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of yeast culture (YC) on reproductive performance, gut microbiota, and milk composition in primiparous sows. A total of 60 primiparous sows were randomly assigned to the control group (CON) and YC group (0.5% YC during gestation and 0.8% YC during lactation) consisting of 30 replicates, with one sow in each. The results showed that dietary YC supplementation increased the piglet birth weight and backfat thickness at 28 d of lactation (p p Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, and Terrisporobacter (p Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (p p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis showed that YC increased 26 different metabolites in the colostrum. Among them were mainly pantothenic acid, proline, isoleucine, phenylalanine, acylcarnitine, and other metabolites. In conclusion, these results suggested that dietary YC supplementation improves reproductive performance and gut health and increases the nutrient content in the colostrum of primiparous sows.

Keywords

• primiparous sows
• prebiotics
• reproductive efficiency
• gut microbiota
• milk