35 High Fiber Top Dress Effects on Sows During Farrowing and Lactation Free

There have been several studies on high fiber diets during late gestation and lactation which have shown an increase in body condition score as well as showing an increase in piglet born alive with multiple cycles. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of two high fiber top dress protocols on the performance of lactating sows and piglets in the farrowing phase. The top dress contained sugar beet pulp, wheat bran, vitamins, enzymes, and an attractant. A total of 459 sows were balanced by parity and genetics among 3 treatments. Treatment 1, Control, contained no additional fiber. Treatment 2, 5D, was fed 0.45 kg. top dress/day for 5 days upon entry into farrowing. Treatment 3, 23D, was fed 0.45 kg top dress for 5 days upon entry into farrowing and then 0.23 kg top dress/day until pigs were weaned. After each room had finished farrowing, piglets were cross fostered within the room, balanced on litter size and number of teats on the sow, and then individually weighed. Piglets were weighed again the day prior to weaning. Calipers were used to record body condition score prior to farrow and weaning. A fecal softness score using a numeric system of 3 = normal 2 = soft 1 = cow patty 0 = liquid was utilized. Fecal scores were recorded daily. Data were analyzed using mixed linear model in SAS. Ending body condition scores were increased with the addition of fiber (Control = 2.59, 5D = 2.59, 23D = 2.69, P = 0.002). Sow mortality was numerically reduced with the addition of 23D fiber (control = 3.97%, 5D = 3.87%, 23D = 1.31%, P = 0.31). Piglet average daily gain (kg/d) was not statistically impacted by fiber (Control = 0.25, 5D = 0.25, 23D = 0.26, P = 0.27). Wean pigs per litter showed no change between treatments (Control = 12.57, 5D = 12.70, 23D = 12.47, P = 0.38) Wean to estrus days were not statistically impacted from treatments (Control 4.28, 5D = 4.20, 23D = 4.1, P = 0.53.) Fecal softness scores continued to decline in the 23D after the initial five days on treatment (P < 0.01.) In conclusion, sows on 23D fiber maintained more body weight through lactation and had consistently looser stools than sows on 5D or Control treatments.