Study on effects of microbial fermented soyabean meal on production performances of sows and suckling piglets and its acting mechanism

Thirty-two crossbred (Large White × Landrace) gestating sows were used to study the effects of fermented soyabean meal (FSBM) on their reproduction performance and piglet production. Sows were randomly divided into four groups and fed diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15% FSBM replacing the same amount of soyabean meal, respectively. The experimental periods lasted 58 days including 30 days of pre-farrowing and 28 days of post-farrowing. The results showed that nutrient digestibility of lactating sows as well as survival rate of suckling piglets were improved by FSBM additions during lactation (P < 0.05), but without significant effect on sow’s reproduction during pregnancy (P > 0.05). The results also showed that non-fat milk solids, protease activity and lactic acid bacteria counts in sow’s faeces, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione and prolactin concentrations in lactating sow’s serum were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while serum cholesterol and urea nitrogen concentrations, as well as phosphocreatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were decreased with FSBM addition (P < 0.05). It could be concluded that 10 – 15% FSBM addition in lactating sow’s diets could increase sow’s reproduction and piglet production.