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Related Info

Are your sow diets balanced for Omega 6 and Omega 3?

Supplementation and proper utilization of all the essential fatty acids is of primary importance for optimum reproductive performance and longevity.

The study of essential fatty acids (EFA) is one of the hottest topics in nutrition and medicine today, even though the essential nature of EFA has been known for more than 70 years. Initial studies published in 1929, showed that animals consuming EFA deficient diets didn't develop normally and had dry skin, dermatitis, thickened and brittle hair, kidney problems, and reproduction failures. It was later found that the condition could be corrected when corn or flaxseed oil was added to the deficient diet.

Linoleic acid (Omega 6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3) were determined to be responsible for reversal of the metabolic problems and were, therefore, termed "essential." However, until recently, most scientists believed that only linoleic acid (Omega 6) was necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms and that a true alpha-linolenic (Omega 3) deficiency was rare. Because Omega 6 deficiency causes growth retardation and skin lesions and Omega 3 doesn't (TABLE I), it is easy to reason why Omega 3 deficiency in swine diets has not generated a lot of interest. Also, metabolic problems created by Omega 3 deficiency in swine are more subtle than those caused by Omega 6 deficiencies, making he benefits of Omega 3 supplementation more difficult to recognize.

Table I - Features of Omega 6 and Omega 3 Deficiencies
Omega 6	Omega 3
Growth retardation Skin lesions Reproductive failure Fatty liver Thirst Immune problems	Normal skin and growth Learning problems Abnormal vision Thirst Immune problems

Omega 6 and Omega 3 Deficiency in Sows

Most nutritionists formulate to provide adequate Omega 6; it would be difficult to find corn-soy diets in the U.S. that do not have adequate levels of Omega 6. Why, then, do we still see skin, hoof, and reproductive problems in our sows?

One reason is that many sow diets are not properly balanced to aid the metabolism and conversion of Omega 6 (how Omega 6 is converted to other essential fatty acids in the body that are important for proper cell function). Most herds have adequate Omega 6 in their diets, but a considerable number may have Omega 6 deficiency at the cell level. There are many conditions, which include poorly balanced diets, infections, and mold growth, that can negatively impact Omega 6 metabolism (TABLE II). A point to remember is that even if a diet has an adequate concentration of Omega 6, it may not be converted in the body to the important end products that influence cell metabolism.

What about Omega 3? The simple truth is that Omega 3's are deficient in most commercial herds. Another simple truth is that if you add a source of Omega 3 to a diet that is not promoting further metabolism of Omega 6 (make further essential compounds in the body from the Omega 6), one may not see a reversal of the EFA problems. In other words, adding flaxseed to a poor diet will not make it a good diet.

Table II - Factors that Affect EFA Metabolism
Mold growth in grain and feed Supplemental saturated fat Protein/caloric ratio Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio	Poor dietary micronutrients Viral infections Stress

Sows on a well-balanced diet with adequate Omega 6 should have clean, slick skin and reproduce well above average.

When and How to Add Ground Flaxseed

Not all sow herds may respond dramatically to added flaxseed. Those herds where Omega 6 is being metabolized correctly (remember, look at their skin), but still are not in the upper 15-20% of herds based on performance, may be good candidates (TABLE III). Just adding flaxseed is not enough. The diet needs to have the proper ratio of the EFA's to help ensure appropriate metabolism.

Table III - Situations where Ground Flaxseed may improve Profitability of Sow Herd

Culling remains too high Non-productive sow days too high Medication costs still too high Longevity of herd below 4.5 parities Pigs born alive lower than expected

Ground flaxseed should be added to the diet so that the Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio is less than 3 to 1 but not lower than 1 to 1. Other nutrients, including Vitamin E, need to be in ample quantities to ensure that both EFA's are metabolized correctly.

Summary

EFA's are a hot topic in animal nutrition. In the past, only Omega 6 fatty acids were considered important in swine rations. Today there is much interest in adding a source of Omega 3 to swine diets, particularly sows.

Ground flaxseed can be added to our sow diets and improve the ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3. For best biological performance and cost, this ratio should be between 2 to 1 and 3 to 1.

Not all sow herds will see dramatic responses to Omega 3 supplementation. The magnitude in responses will be closely linked to how well the animals on the current diet are metabolizing Omega 6. Benefits of Omega 3 supplementation will be subtle and may be difficult to recognize in high performing sow herds. However, it makes good sense to balance EFA's, we recommend that one consider the long-term benefits, such as improved immunity and higher average parities, that will come with Omega 3 supplementation.