title: Effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on some reproductive characteristics in gilts.
abstract: The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on ovulation rate and litter size at day 27 post-mating in gilts. Estrous cycles were synchronized in crossbred gilts (n=48) using a progestin (Matrix; Intervet America Inc., Millsboro, DE, USA), fed at a rate of 15 mg/day for 18 days. Following progestin withdrawal, gilts were checked for estrus twice daily and mated by artificial insemination. At 27 days post-mating, gilts were killed and reproductive tracts collected and examined. Beginning 17 days before the initiation of progestin therapy and continuing until slaughter, gilts were fed 2.27 kg of a basal diet (n=24) or the basal diet supplemented with 1% Fertilium (JBS United, Inc., Sheridan, IN) (n=24), a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. All gilts in the treatment and control groups were pregnant as evidenced after examination of dissected reproductive tracts at approximately 27 days post-mating. Ovulation rate (17.5 vs. 17.9; SEM=0.5; p=0.61), number of embryos (14.5 vs. 14.3; SEM=0.6; p=0.77), embryo weight (1.11 vs. 1.14 g; SEM=0.02; p=0.45), and crown-rump length (26.4 vs. 26.9 mm; SEM=0.27; p=0.28), were similar for control and Fertilium-fed gilts, respectively. Backfat thickness at day 27 post-mating was greater (p<0.01) for Fertilium-fed gilts (14.0+/-0.5 mm) compared with controls (12.3+/-0.5 mm). The present treatment with Fertilium for the period of approximately 61 days did not alter ovulation rate and litter size at day 27 post-mating in gilts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA. mestienn@vt.edu
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Estienne
authors.forename: Allen F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Harper
authors.forename: Cynthia E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Estienne
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008098:Litter Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D013552:Swine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3