Effect of maternal bis-glycinate-bound zinc supplementation on sow performance, milk metabolomic-lipidomic profiles, and piglet diarrhea incidence

Dietary zinc supplementation in piglets has been associated with reduced diarrhea incidence and improved growth performance; however, the effects of maternal zinc supplementation on milk composition and subsequent piglet performance remain unclear.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of maternal zinc supplementation on sow performance, lactation characteristics, and piglet development.

Methods: Thirty-six crossbred sows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: CON, a standard diet, and TRT, a standard diet supplemented with 1 g/sow/day of bis-glycinate-bound zinc from day 85 of gestation to day 21 of lactation. Sow and piglet performance were recorded, while blood, colostrum, and milk samples were analyzed for oxidative status, metabolomic, and lipidomic profiles.

Results: Maternal zinc supplementation did not affect the total number of piglets born but increased the proportion of mummified fetuses. TRT sows exhibited greater backfat loss during lactation and higher serum malondialdehyde concentrations at farrowing. Piglets from supplemented sows showed increased colostrum intake, higher body weight at day 21, and reduced diarrhea incidence during lactation. In mature milk, zinc supplementation increased fat and total solids content while reducing lactose concentration. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses revealed alterations in milk composition, including increased concentrations of metabolites related to energy and lipid metabolism, which were positively associated with piglet growth.

Conclusion: The results indicate that maternal bis-glycinate-bound zinc supplementation modifies sow metabolism and milk composition, contributing to improved piglet performance and reduced diarrhea incidence during lactation.