Effect of Andrographis paniculata supplementation during the transition period on colostrum yield, immunoglobulin G, and postpartum complications in multiparous sows during tropical summer

Objective This study evaluated the effect of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) supplementation in sow diets before and after farrowing on the sow and piglets’ performances during early postpartum period and on sows’ backfat and longissimus muscle losses during lactation. Methods Seventy Landrace×Yorkshire sows and their offspring (1,186 piglets) were distributed into three groups: control (n = 31), treatment–250 (n = 18), and treatment–1000 (n = 21). From 110.2±0.7 days of gestation until farrowing (5.8 days) and throughout the lactation period (25.2 days), sows in the control group were given the conventional lactation diet, while sows in the treatment–250 and treatment–1000 groups received supplements of 250 ppm and 1,000 ppm of A. paniculata, respectively. Results In sows with parity 3–5, piglets from the treatment–1000 group had higher colostrum intake than the control and treatment–250 groups (p<0.05), but not in sows with parity 6–9. Colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased in treated sows versus controls for parity 6–9 (p<0.05), but was consistent for parity 3–5. Piglet performance until day 3 postnatal was similar across groups (p>0.05). Treatment–250 sows had higher feed intake post-farrowing than treatment–1000 sows (p<0.05). Longissimus loss was less in both treatment groups than control (p<0.05), but backfat loss was similar across groups (p>0.05). Post-partum complications were consistent across groups (p>0.05). Farrowing duration and piglet birth intervals in sows with parity 6–9 were prolonged in the treatment–1000 group. Conclusion Supplementing with 1,000 ppm A. paniculata for 5.8 days pre-farrowing and 25.2 days post-farrowing enhanced sow colostrum IgG and piglet colostrum intake, while also reducing longissimus loss in sows. However, for sows of parity 6–9, this supplementation led to prolonged farrowing, increased intervals between piglet births, increased stillbirth, and reduced piglet birth weight. These effects should be considered when using A. paniculata supplementation.