Performance traits of Zebu crossbred reproductive cows in Some regions of Ninh Binh province
This study evaluated the effects of Replivin™ - a multi-component supplement containing Bacillus subtilis REP 2106-GT, functional peptides, vitamins, organic minerals, and phytogenics - on the performance of high-yielding sows. Forty high-yielding (Landrace × Yorkshire) sows of French origin were utilized in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were initiated at day 85 of gestation and continued through weaning. Sows were randomly assigned to either a control group (NT1; n = 20) receiving a basal diet or a treatment group (NT2; n = 20) supplemented with Replivin™. The results indicated that Replivin™ supplementation showed a positive trend in maintaining sow body condition, with lower backfat loss during the lactation period compared to the control group (2.10 mm vs 2.35 mm; P>0.05). Notably, the weaning-to-estrus interval was significantly shortened (4.51 days vs 5.80 days, P<0.05), which is a key factor in enhancing sow reproductive efficiency. Specifically, the serum IgG concentration in sows at farrowing in the NT2 group (385.49 mg/dL) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in the NT1 group. Benefiting from improved maternal immunity, piglet performance showed positive numerical improvements: weaning weight in NT2 reached 6.27 kg/pig (compared to 6.13 kg in NT1), the number of weaned piglets increased by 0.4 per sow, and the survival rate reached 92.25% (compared to 91.01%). Furthermore, the serum IgG concentration in weaned piglets from the NT2 group (215.90 mg/dL) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the NT1 group. In conclusion, Replivin™ is effective in enhancing passive immunity and improving the overall productivity of hyper-prolific sows.
