THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ALIMENTARY USE OF FEED ADDITIVES FOR THE CORRECTION OF REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN LACTATING SOWS UNDER DISCOMFORT HOUSING CONDITIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32636/agroscience.2025-(4)-4-9Keywords:
lactating sows, piglets, feed additives, microclimate parameters, animal productivityAbstract
The article presents the results of experimental studies aimed at assessing the feasibility of including biologically active feed additives — Vicasol (a synthetic analogue of vitamin K) and Alkosel (a product based on baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, enriched with the organic form of selenium — selenomethionine) — in the diets of lactating sows under conditions of disrupted optimal microclimate parameters in livestock facilities. The research focused on evaluating their impact on the productive performance of sows during lactation, as well as on the growth rate and development of suckling piglets, which additionally received these feed additives in their diets.
It was found that during the summer season, the air temperature in the facilities significantly exceeded the established normative limits for this category of animals, which was accompanied by a decline in sows’ appetite, reduced milk production, impaired physiological condition, and a deterioration of overall well-being. The study carried out a detailed comparison of the productivity of sows and the growth dynamics of piglets under different feeding regimens: the use of Vicasol and Alkosel separately, as well as their combined application, which made it possible to evaluate both the individual and synergistic effects of these preparations.
The results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the reproductive and productive indicators of sows and their offspring under the influence of the studied feed additives. In particular, the experimental groups showed a reliable increase in the number of both newborn and weaned piglets, higher total litter weight at weaning, as well as improved piglet survival rates compared to the control group.
Of particular note are the outcomes of the combined use of Vicasol and Alkosel, which provided the most pronounced positive effect. This interaction of the preparations demonstrated their ability to enhance the protective and productive mechanisms of sows and piglets, which was reflected in higher reproductive performance of females and more intensive development of the offspring. These findings provide grounds for recommending the combined use of these feed additives as an effective means of mitigating the negative impact of unfavorable microclimate conditions in livestock facilities on the reproductive capacity of sows and the viability of piglets
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Copyright (c) 2026 Андріяна ДМИТРОЦА, Стах ВОВК, Василь ПУНДИК, Ярослав КОВАЛЬЧУК, Василь ТОДОРЮК (Автор)
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