Benefits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii on Sow Body Condition and Reproductive Performance During Heat Stress Periods

When temperatures rise, sows struggle to regulate their body temperature, which diverts energy away from maintaining body condition and milk production. This issue is exacerbated by a decrease in feed intake during hot weather. These factors lead to rapid loss of body condition and weight, which can affect litter growth and subsequent reproductive performance. Lallemand Animal Nutrition unveils the results of a recent field study highlighting the significant benefits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 when included in a specific nutritional solution for sow body condition during and after heat stress.

Physiological consequences of heat stress on sows

Under heat stress conditions, sows tend to limit any metabolic processes that generate heat, such as physical activities and eating. Through multiple mechanisms (Figure 1), decreased appetite and feed intake due to heat stress generally lead to reduced milk production, poorer body condition, and overall lower litter performance in sows. This cascade of effects ultimately impacts both the sows’ health and the growth of their litters.

Importance of managing sow body condition under heat stress

Managing sow body condition under heat stress is crucial because it ensures they have enough energy reserves for milk production, which is vital for piglet growth and health. It also helps prevent Second Litter Syndrome (SLS), characterized by poor reproductive performance in the second parity due to significant weight loss during the first lactation. Sows in good body condition at mating have better reproductive outcomes, including higher conception rates and more piglets born alive. Proper body condition also supports overall health and longevity, reducing the risk of prolapse and body lesions.

How can Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 help in this context?

A recent field study on 199 sows in a commercial farm in the Netherlands assessed the effects of LEVUCELL SB on sows’ performance and its carryover benefits on subsequent litter performance during and after heat stress. The treated group received Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 at 200g/ton of feed and enzymes from five days before farrowing until weaning. Sows experienced varying heat stress levels, with significant time spent in temperatures over 25°C, as measured by THI probes.

Colostrum Quality

Brix measurements indicated that 85% of treated sows had good or very good colostrum samples, compared to 44% in the control group. This improvement in colostrum quality is crucial for the health and growth of piglets.

Sow Body Condition

Sows in the treated group experienced 33% less weight loss, 17% less fat loss, and 23% less loin loss (Figure 2) compared to the control group. Despite similar feed intake (restricted sows) between both groups, treated sows maintained better body condition, suggesting more efficient utilization of body reserves and feed resources.

Carryover Benefits On Subsequent Litter Performance

By maintaining better sow body condition, the treated sows had a carryover of benefits on litter performance during the following cycle, with an increase of 1.16 piglets born alive per litter. (Figure 3).

Reduced Removed Sows

Thanks to the maintenance of better sow body condition and the improvement in litter performance, fewer sows were removed and were therefore kept for longer (Figure 4).  

Energy Utilization and Efficiency

The field study hypothesized that the maintained body condition and performance of treated sows could be due to better fiber valorization and reduced inflammation, previously documented and known benefits of the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079. In this field study, sows fed the test feed exported more energy into milk production, while mobilizing less energy from fat and loin deposition. This efficient energy utilization resulted in improved litter performance during the subsequent cycle.

Economic Benefits

For a 500-sow farm during heat stress periods, benefits include 0.43 kg more per litter, 1.16 more piglets born alive per litter, 10 kg less gestation feed per sow, and a 4% reduction in culling rate, totaling an estimated economic benefit of €15,500.

Conclusion

The field study results highlight that LEVUCELL SB helps maintain sow body condition, colostrum quality, and litter performance during heat stress. For more information, visit www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com.

References available upon request.