Effect of cannabis sativa byproduct supplementation during transition period on maternal behavior, feed intake, colostrum yield and piglet survival rate in hyperprolific sows

Abstract

In the modern swine industry, addressing inflammation and pain in sows after farrowing is a crucial animal welfare concern. Cannabis sativa, a medicinal plant, possesses properties that serve as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic, while also being abundant in fiber. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of supplementing sows with Cannabis sativa byproducts during transition periods on various aspects including postpartum behavior, feed intake, constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum yield, and piglet performance. The experiment involved a total of 100 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. The sows were distributed according to parity numbers into 2 groups, i.e., control (n = 54) and treatment (n = 46). The control group was provided with a lactation diet 3.0-3.5 kg per day for a period of seven days before and after farrowing. The treatment groups received the same quantity of the diet but with an additional supplementation of 150 g/d of Cannabis sativa byproduct. The byproduct was analyzed and found to contain 0.24% (w/w) concentration of cannabidiol (CBD), resulting in a daily intake of 360 mg of CBD per sow. The conventional lactational diet had a dietary fiber content of 4.3%, whereas the diet supplemented with Cannabis sativa byproduct had a higher content of 16.9% dietary fiber. Video cameras were employed to observe and document the behavior of sows within the initial 24 h after farrowing. The duration in which sows engaged in activities such as sleeping, sitting, standing, feeding, and nursing their piglets was quantified. Additionally, the rectal temperature of the sows was measured, and a temperature equal to or exceeding 39.5 °C was considered indicative of fever. The fecal score of the sows was assessed and a fecal score of ≤2 was classified as constipation. On the third day postpartum, the proportion of sows with fever in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (20.0% and 38.9% respectively, P=0.051). Sows receiving supplementation with Cannabis sativa byproducts exhibited increased durations of standing and feeding compared to the control group (P