Importance of Dietary Supplementation of Soluble and Insoluble Fibers to Sows in High Ambient Temperatures During Late Gestation and Effects on Lactation Performance

A study involving 54 multiparous sows examined the effects of dietary fiber levels and sources on gestation and lactation performance under heat stress conditions. The sows were fed diets with different fiber levels (4.5% and 6% crude fiber) and sources (wheat bran, palm kernel meal, and beet pulp). The results showed that sows fed a beet pulp diet had the highest feed intake, constipation index, and the lowest farrowing duration. Piglet weight and litter weight at weaning were higher in sows on the beet pulp diet compared to the palm kernel meal diet. The beet pulp diet also resulted in the greatest digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. Sows on the high fiber (6%) diet had higher blood insulin concentration than those on the low fiber (4.5%) diet. The study concluded that both soluble and insoluble fiber sources should be added to the diet of gestating sows, particularly beet pulp, to improve welfare and performance under high ambient temperatures.