The importance of a balanced intestinal microbiota for sow

The intestinal microbiota refers to the microorganisms (including between 70-80% of bacteria) that are living in the gastrointestinal tract. It is now considered as an organ itself.

Recent surveys show that a balanced microbiota is essential to the proper functioning of mammals’ organism, especially in terms of growth, digestion and immunity. A balanced sow microbiota guarantees an optimal digestion and improves immunity. It is reflected in better zootechnical performances (better reproduction, improved milk production).

In practice, breeding sows are regularly subjected to stress episodes (gestation, farrowing and lactation), even under good livestock conditions. This stress is likely to cause an imbalance of the microbiota or «dysbiosis».
 

Constipation and slower motility

Anitha et al. and Belinson et al. showed in a recent study that dysbiosis delays intestinal motility, resulting in a change in the microbiota composition. Mild constipation is a frequent consequence in youngsows and sows during late gestation, mainly because of the decreased activity of the intestine, close to parturition (Peltoniemi, Björkman, and Oliviero 2016). A slower intestinal motility associated to constipation cause dysbiosis, which in turn affects the intestinal transit with consequences on sows welfare and appetite but also on the milk production and the piglets’ weight gain.

 

Managing microbiota

The sow feed formulation aims to increase the ration energy in order to anticipate the metabolic change due to farrowing and lactation (Farmer, Palin, and Martel-Kennes 2014).
Consequently, particular attention should be given to the microbiota management in the sow feed formulation.
This is why stimulating beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus) growth with selected nutritional additives helps sows and piglets to pass through these critical phases (late gestation, farrowing and early lactation). It also helps to improve the piglets’ well-being and weight gain.