Synergistic effects of QST 713 and L-arginine supplementation during late gestation on reproductive performance in Landrace × Yorkshire sows: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Low birth weight and within-litter variations are major challenges in swine production, often exacerbated by highly prolific sow lines. Nutritional interventions such as amino acid and probiotic supplementation have shown promise, but their combined effects remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of QST 713 and L-arginine supplementation during late gestation on reproductive performance in sows.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized trial was conducted on 247 Landrace × Yorkshire sows allocated to four dietary groups from day 85 of gestation to farrowing: (1) Basal diet (control), (2) basal diet + , (3) basal diet + L-arginine, and (4) basal diet + both supplements. Reproductive outcomes-including individual birth weight (IBW), total litter birth weight (TBW), born-alive birth weight (NBABW), proportion of runt (<1.1 kg) and large piglets (>1.5 kg), and within-litter coefficient of variation in birth weight [CVBW])-were assessed. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Co-supplementation with and L-arginine significantly increased IBW (1434.7 g vs. 1310.0 g, p < 0.001), TBW (19.6 kg vs. 16.9 kg, p < 0.001), NBABW (18.1 kg vs. 15.9 kg, p = 0.006), and the proportion of large piglets (33.7% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.0002), while reducing runt piglet incidence (4.0% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001). Neither supplement alone produced significant improvements. No treatment significantly affected litter size, CVBW, stillbirth, or mummification rates.

CONCLUSION

Co-supplementation of sows with and L-arginine during late gestation produces synergistic impro-vements in piglet birth weight and litter quality. This strategy offers a practical and cost-effective approach to enhance swine reproductive efficiency.