2023
The impact of higher SBM levels and methionine on sows in the peri-parturient period
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Feed
Keywords:
Amino acidsAnimal healthAnimal nutritionMacronutritional bundleSoy mealSwine
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Eric Weaver, South Dakota State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
23-107-D-F-1-C
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate SBM and methionine at higher levels, as a replacement for corn, the main carbohydrate source, and crystalline amino acids, for its effects on markers of health in the peri-parturition and lactation periods. The evaluation of higher levels of soy protein for carbohydrate replacement (a popular trend) has human health implications. Positive outcomes will expand the uses and recognition of the value of soy in sows and provide animal model data for human nutrition.
Information And Results
Project Summary

Project Objectives

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to examine the metabolic effects of soy-based protein as a replacement for carbohydrate on highly-prolific sows at parturition. The project evaluated the effects of higher levels of SBM and Met as a replacement for corn, the primary carbohydrate source, and crystalline AA, focusing on their impact on markers of sow health during the peri-parturition and lactation periods. Results and Discussion: The average total born, liveborn, and weaned pigs were 15.7, 14.2, and 12.8 respectively, which are data representative of the current level of prolificacy (Eckberg, 2022). Sows on the high SBM diets had less weight fluctuation throughout the trial period and came out of lactation with an average of 5.8 kg lost while the low soy group lost an average of 12.9 kg (P = 0.1262). The level of Met also improved the change in sow BW through lactation. Sows on high Met lost 4.7 kg while the sows on low Met lost 14.5 kg (P < 0.05). The combined effect of high SBM and high Met produced an average lactation weight change of +1.9 kg while the low SBM and low Met TRT, similar to NRC recommendations (2012), had an average of -18.9 kg (P = 0.0588). The 30% Met group also lost less BF during lactation (P < 0.01). No statistical differences were observed for feed intake, gestation duration, total pigs born, liveborn, or pigs weaned due to TRT. An elevation of blood glucose pre- and post-farrowing in sows fed more starch and synthetic amino acids with a lower methionine level was not beneficial to farrowing performance. To the contrary, sows fed higher levels of intact soy protein had increased pig weaning weight and improved recovery from parturition, as indicated by reduced body weight loss. The use of continuous glucose monitors in sows at farrowing was successfully piloted and revealed dynamic glucose metabolism changes at farrowing. Glucose was slightly elevated in sows post farrowing when fed higher levels of starch, amino acids and the 27% met:lysine. Sows fed higher soy protein levels (30% SBM) appear to be able to utilize protein very efficiently for energy at farrowing compared to 15% SBM. Conclusion: Peripartum health complications, including farrowing difficulty, contribute to the need for greater care of HPS. The higher inclusion of SBM and Met to sow diets improves sow condition and health outcomes. In HPS, the use of intact soy protein from soybean meal, resulted in better farrowing and lactation performance than starch with synthetic amino acids. Additional commercial research is planned to evaluate a higher plane of nutrition provided by intact soy protein and farrowing ease, nutritional state, and sow mortality. Intact soy protein, balanced with a higher ratio of methionine:lys than NRC recommendations, is recommended for late gestation and lactation diets.

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

a. Alignment with USB Research & Promotion Outcomes o Grow body of evidence The primary objective of this study was to examine the metabolic effects of soy-based protein as a replacement for carbohydrate on highly-prolific sows at parturition. The study also addresses the potential interaction of soy protein and methionine. Responses to measure in the highly-prolific sow include body weight, condition score (fat-mass:lean-mass), blood glucose, lactate and inflammatory markers. Carbohydrate replacement has gained popularity in recent years for the management of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type2 diabetes and may have benefits to the parturition process and recovery in animals. In humans, the animal model data may be helpful to consumers and practitioners in demonstrating the usefulness of soy and methionine for nutrition late in pregnancy. The main deliverable this project provides to the United Soybean Board and Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and other allied industry invested in soybeans is the use of the study findings to educate and promote soy protein as a source of high-quality nutrition during late pregnancy, parturition, and lactation. This deliverable was met. The study has been presented at the Midwest American Society of Animal Sciene Annual meeting and the Leman Conference. The M.S. Thesis and publications are in the process of submission. Altogether, the findings will positively impact the perception of soy for food animals as well as consumers, nutrition, and health educators and practitioners, while expanding use in food and feed for soybean growers and the industry.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.