The objective of this study was to determine the potential reproductive benefits of supplementing sows with linoleic (LA) or α-linolenic acid (α-LA) throughout the preceding lactation and subsequent gestation until 30 d post-rebreeding. Thirty-three second parity sows were allotted to either a control (0.88% LA, 0.10% α-LA), high LA (3.3% LA, 0.10% α-LA,) or high α-LA (0.88% LA, 0.60% α-LA) diet fed throughout lactation and early gestation. At 30 d post-breeding, a subset of sows (n=18) was harvested to determine embryo survival and fatty acid composition of reproductive and fetal tissues. Number of pigs weaned per litter (P = 0.77) and litter average daily gain (P = 0.34) did not differ among treatments; however, litters from sows supplemented with LA tended to be heavier at weaning (P = 0.09; 55.3, 61.3, and 57.1 kg for control, LA, and α-LA, respectively). Sows supplemented with LA had higher embryo survival (P < 0.01; 57.2, 79.5, and 58.7% for control, LA, and α-LA, respectively), heavier feto-placental units (P < 0.01; 210.3, 279.4 and 235.0 g for control, LA, and α-LA, respectively), and elevated volume of allantoic fluid (P < 0.01; 185.9, 247.9, and 200.8 mL for control, LA, and α-LA, respectively). Concentrations of EFA increased in maternal serum by the dietary EFA supplemented (P < 0.05). Supplementation of LA did not impact linoleic acid or arachidonic acid concentrations in endometrium, chorioallantoic membrane, or fetus, however, α-LA increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of α-linoleic acid in chorioallantoic membrane and eicosapentaenoic acid in serum and endometrium.

Supplementation of LA, but not α-LA, throughout lactation and early subsequent gestation was beneficial for embryo survival. The lesser influence of dietary LA and α-LA in fetal tissues may be associated with the intake, transfer, and metabolism of EFA in the chorioallantoic membrane and endometrium.

Shipman, G., X. Lin and E. van Heugten. 2022. Reproductive Performance, Early Embryo Survival, Fetal Characteristics, and Tissue Fatty Acid Profiles of Sows Fed Linoleic or α-linolenic Acid. 2022 American Society of Animal Science Midwest Section Meeting, Abstract 120.