Supplementation of dietaryextracts to lactating Wuzhishan sows: effects on milk composition, immune function, milk-derived hormones, and related gene expression.

Abstract

The milk provided by sows plays an essential role in the growth and development of the piglets. This study aimed to explore the effects ofextracts on milk composition, immune function, milk-derived hormones, and related gene expression of lactating sows. Forty-eight sows were randomly allocated into four groups, with six replicates and two sows per replicate. The control group (CON) was fed basal experimental diets, and the experimental groups were fed 400, 600, and 800&#x202f;mg/kgextracts in powder (AS1, AS2, and AS3, respectively). Compared to the CON, (1) the lactoprotein and milk fat contents were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in AS1, AS2, and AS3 at 12 and 24&#x202f;h, and on the 7th day; (2) the IgA, IgG, and IL-2 levels were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), and the TNF-levels were lower (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in AS1, AS2, and AS3 at 12 and 24&#x202f;h; the IgG, IgM, and IL-2 levels were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in AS1, AS2, and AS3 on the 7th day; (3) the progesterone, prolactin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 contents were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in AS1, AS2, and AS3 at 12 and 24&#x202f;h; the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 contents were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in AS2 and AS3 on the 7th day; (4) the relative expressions of,,,,andin mammary tissue were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in groups treated withextracts; (5) the serum IgA, IgM, IL-6, growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 contents were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in AS2 and AS3 in piglets; and (6) the relative expressions ofandin umbilical cord were higher (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) in groups treated withextracts. Incorporating 600&#x202f;mg/kg ofextracts into the diets of lactating Wuzhishan sows elicited differential responses regarding milk composition, immune function, hormonal profiles, and associated gene expression across distinct postpartum periods.