Effect of Scutellaria baicalensis supplementation on sow milk yield and litter growth performance in Danish sows

Abstract Scutellaria baicalensis root possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with its ability to stimulate mammary cells, thereby enhancing milk yield. The present study investigated the effect of SB supplementation in lactation diet on colostrum and milk production, litter survival and growth, oxidative status, and inflammation in lactating sows. On day 108 of gestation, 24 sows were assigned to either a control group (CON; n = 12) that were fed according to the Danish nutrient standard or a CON diet supplemented with Scutellaria baicalensis root (SB; n = 12) and fed the diet until day 28 of lactation. Piglets were individually weighed at birth and weekly during lactation. Colostrum was sampled during farrowing, while milk was collected weekly during lactation. Blood samples were collected on day 112 of gestation, day of farrowing, day 3, 10, and 17 of lactation and analyzed for oxidative and inflammation biomarkers. Supplementation with SB did not affect litter number at birth but increased average birth weight of the piglet (P = 0.002). Litter weight was greater in SB supplemented sows (P < 0.05) during lactation. Colostrum concentration of lactose increased (P < 0.01) but that of protein and solid-not-fat (both P < 0.01) decreased with SB supplementation. Total daily protein secretion in milk increased (P = 0.02), while lactose (P = 0.09) and solid-not-fat (P = 0.07) tended to increase with SB supplementation. Supplementation with SB tended to increase milk yield (P = 0.06), litter number in lactation (P = 0.08), and litter survival (P = 0.10) compared to non-supplemented sows. Supplementation with SB affected neither oxidative stress nor inflammation status biomarkers. In conclusion, SB supplementation increased piglet birth weight, sow milk production, and litter growth performance during lactation, but did not influence oxidative status and inflammation.