Study shows that Omega-3 from fish oil can help increase sow litter size

But more work is needed to determine the possible mechanisms behind this response


by JANICE MURPHY

Research has shown that diets which supplement Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from fish oil can improve reproductive performance in dairy cows and ewes, but there is little known about its effects in sows.

A research paper from 1970 reported an increase in litter size born in first and second parity sows when diets containing fish meal were fed during the first two parities. However, other studies have yielded inconsistent results.

Better Pork - August 2011