Two-Stage Fermented Feather Meal-Soybean Meal Product Improves the Performance and Immunity of Lactating Sows and Piglets

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a two-stage fermented feather meal-soybean meal product (TSFP) on the performance, clinical blood biochemistry, and immunity of sows and piglets. TSFP was fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y10 for three days in the second stage, which showed similar results to the five-day fermentation of B. coagulans (p > 0.05). Fifty hybrid sows (Duroc × KHAPS black pig) were randomly assigned into dietary supplementation groups of 2% fish meal or different levels of TSFP at 0%, 1%, 2%, or 3%. The results showed that body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of 2% and 3% TSFP groups were better than the control group and fish meal group during the gestation period (d 80–114) (p < 0.05). During the lactation period, the 3% TSFP group showed the best weaning litter weight (p < 0.05). In sows, interferon-γ and immunoglobulin G (IgG) of 2% and 3% TSFP groups were higher than the control group and fish meal group (p < 0.05). In piglets, in groups of 2% and 3% TSFP blood urea decreased (p < 0.05). The IgG of fermented groups was superior to the control group (p < 0.05). The oxidative burst of phagocytes in the 3% TSFP was higher than those of the control and fish meal groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, TSFP supplementation exhibits the advantages of performance and immunity of lactating sows and piglets. Furthermore, adding 3% TSFP in the feed showed the best performance.