Testing the effect of supplementing with oregano extract during pregnancy on the reproductive performance of sows
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61308/UYRQ2910Keywords:
pregnant sows, sows, piglets, reproductive performance, oreganoAbstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oregano supplementation in the diet of pregnant sows on their reproductive performance. The study was conducted on 48 sows, divided into two groups: a control group (n = 24), fed a standard diet, and an experimental group (n = 24), receiving feed supplemented with oregano extract (1 g/kg feed). The following parameters were monitored: weaning-to-mating interval, gestation length, conception rate, number and birth weight of live-born piglets, number and weight of piglets at 21 days, and growth performance during this period. The results showed that sows fed oregano during gestation had a 12,5% higher conception rate and a 0,5-day shorter gestation compared to conventionally fed sows. Oregano positively influenced the duration of non-productive days, as the interval from farrowing to first estrus was 0,5 days shorter in the experimental group. Sows supplemented with oregano also exhibited an increase in the number of live-born piglets by 0,21 per litter. Furthermore, oregano supplementation during gestation contributed to a significant increase in the average birth weight of piglets in the experimental group compared to the control (P<0.05), as well as in the average weight at 21 days (P<0.01). Offspring of sows receiving oregano during gestation demonstrated higher average daily gain compared to those of the control group (P<0.05).
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