Effect of placenta feeding to sows on plasma biochemical composition and growth of their piglets

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects on the plasma biochemical composition and growth of piglets of placenta-fed sows. The experimental animals were a total of 21 sows (L x LW) of third parity, and each sow was suckled by 11 +- 1 piglets. Sows fed without placenta were considered as the control (C), treatment 1 (T1) were placenta-fed from days 1-7 after farrowing and treatment 2 (T2) were placenta-fed from day 7 before farrowing to day 7 after farrowing. Glucose of piglets was lower (P0.05) in T2 than C and T1 on day 10. Total cholesterol of piglets was higher (P0.05) in T2 than C on day 4. Fe of piglets was higher (P0.05) in T2 than C on days 4, 20 and 30. Unsaturated iron-binding capacity was lower (P0.05) in T2 than C on days 4 and 30. Immunoglobulin G of piglets was higher (P0.05) in T1 and T2 than C on days 4 and 10. Daily gain of piglets was higher (P0.05) in T1 than C and T2 on day 4 when daily gain was calculated. Total daily gain increased (P0.05) by prolongation of placenta feeding period. The results indicate that feeding placenta to sows may improve the plasma biochemical composition and growth of their piglets.