Changes in saliva and colostrum biomarkers, fecal calprotectin, and productive parameters of sows after polyphenols and medium-chain fatty acids supplementation during gestation

Dietary supplementation with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and polyphenols may represent an effective nutritional strategy to enhance gut health and reduce oxidative stress in sows. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in salivary biomarkers related to redox status, immune function, and stress, as well as biomarkers in colostrum and fecal calprotectin, in sows supplemented with MCFA and polyphenols. Saliva, colostrum and fecal samples were collected within the first 6 h after farrowing. In addition, reproductive performance of the sows and productive parameters of their litters were evaluated. The group that received the additive showed lower concentrations of ferric reducing ability of saliva (FRAS) (p-value = 0.026) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) (p-value = 0.045). In addition, it showed higher salivary alpha-amylase concentrations (p-value = 0.045), higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in colostrum (p-value = 0.040), and lower fecal calprotectin concentrations (p-value = 0.010). Also, a significant increase was observed in litter weight at weaning in this group (p-value = 0.043). Overall, the inclusion of MCFA and polyphenols in the diet of sows resulted in a reduction in gastrointestinal inflammation, evidenced by lower fecal calprotectin, increased IgG levels in colostrum, and an improved oxidative status reflected by salivary biomarkers. This report opens the possibility of application of non-invasive biomarkers as an useful tool to evaluate the effects of dietary additive supplements in sows.