The results of the meta-analysis, were presented during a Technology XChange at the International Processing and Production Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta yesterday [26 January], showed a “significant increase in feed intake during lactation” among sows supplemented with the probiotic versus sows who weren’t supplemented.
Of the ten 10 trials studied, eight demonstrated that Levucell SB had a positive effect on sows’ feed intake, with four of these showing a significant effect. Overall, supplementation with the probiotic was found to yield a change in consumption ranging from -0.2kg to +1.0kg per day.
A holistic view
Such a definitive conclusion could not be drawn from each of the 10 commercial trials in isolation - only by considering the trial results simultaneously in a meta-analysis, explained David Saornil, product manager, swine applications, at Lallemand Animal Nutrition.
“There is a natural substantial variability when it comes to measuring lactating sows’ feed intake, making it difficult to depict significant differences between dietary treatments on an individual trial basis. This meta-analysis study has revealed an overall significant increase in dry matter intake for sows supplemented with Levucell SB,” he told FeedNavigator.
He explained that because of the variability between individual animals, of the 10 trials, just four showed a statistically significant increase in dry matter intake. Four only showed a numerically significant increase, and two studies displayed no effect or a numerical decrease.
“Therefore, despite having a data set representative of European and North American farm practices, the global effect of Levucell SB supplementation was not known beforehand,” he said.
Changing nutritional needs
In recent years, the nutritional needs of lactating sows have increased with growing litter sizes. Higher feed intake during lactation ensures sufficient milk production and limits sow body weight loss - particularly important as muscle loss can impact the sow’s future performance through reduced fertility, increased wean-to-oestrus intervals and smaller subsequent litters.
S. cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 is a live yeast that works by positively influencing sows’ digestive comfort, enabling them to get through the crucial farrowing stage in better conditions which are later reflected in litter performances.
More studies needed
Whilst the meta-analysis showed that supplementation with the probiotic had a positive effect, it did not establish what factors determine the extent to which feed intake is improved.
“Factors affecting the magnitude of the yeast effect could not be elucidated with only ten trials. Subsequently, the present results need to be confirmed through new studies in which accurate measurements of dry matter intake and body condition are taken,”said Saornil.
“It is important to set up new trials in which sows’ live weight, body condition score, backfat thickness, parity, litter weight, yeast dose and supplementation duration are measured in a standardized way, to give more weight to this meta-analysis,” he said.
He added that Lallemand would be designing mechanistic studies together with its academic partners to further understand the effect of its live yeast on swine feeding behavior.