Dietary zinc supplementation in piglets has been associated with a lower incidence of diarrhea and improved growth performance; however, the effects of maternal zinc supplementation on milk composition and subsequent piglet performance remain unclear.
Objective: This study evaluated the effects of maternal zinc supplementation on sow performance, milk characteristics, and piglet development.
Method: Thirty-six crossbred sows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: CON, a standard diet, and TRT, a standard diet supplemented with 1 g/sow/day of zinc bisglycinate from day 85 of gestation to day 21 of lactation. Sow and piglet performance were recorded, and blood, colostrum, and milk samples were analyzed to determine oxidative status and metabolomic and lipidomic profiles.
Results: Maternal zinc supplementation did not affect the total number of piglets born but increased the proportion of mummified fetuses. TRT sows had greater backfat loss during lactation and higher serum malondialdehyde concentrations at farrowing. Piglets from supplemented sows showed greater colostrum intake, higher weight on day 21, and a lower incidence of diarrhea during lactation. In milk, zinc supplementation increased fat and total solids content and reduced lactose concentration. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses revealed changes in milk composition, including increased concentrations of metabolites related to energy and lipid metabolism, which were positively associated with piglet growth.
Conclusion: The results indicate that maternal bis-glycinate-bound zinc supplementation modifies sow metabolism and milk composition, contributing to improved piglet performance and reduced incidence of diarrhea during lactation.
Ruampatana J, Settachaimongkon S, Soodsaward N, Chuaydamrong B, Rukklang P, Boonyasantisuk S, Ratchatakajornkit S, Yamsrikaew U, Homyog K, Kuabphimai R, Vimuktalop L, Suwimonteerabutr J, Nuntapaitoon M. Maternal bis-glycinate bound zinc supplementation alters sow performance and milk metabolomic-lipidomic profiles and mitigates piglet diarrhea. Veterinary and Animal Science. 2026; 100697. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2026.100697