Abstract

Sows commonly suffered ROS due to increased energy demands and metabolic burdens during late gestation (LG) and lactation. Astaxanthin (Asta) is a potent antioxidant, which can enhance livestock health and productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Asta on antioxidant status, reproductive outcomes in sows, and the growth performance of piglets. A total of 80 large white sows were randomly divided equally into dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 4, 8 and 12 mg/kg Asta from 85 days of gestation to 21 days of lactation. The results demonstrated that with increasing levels of dietary Asta, the concentrations of Asta in placenta, colostrum, and piglet liver significantly increased (P < 0.05), which notably reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while significantly increasing total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in sow serum, placenta, colostrum, and piglet serum (P < 0.05). In addition, Asta supplementation significantly increased the number of live births (NLB) in sow and average daily gain (ADG) of piglet with a significant improvement in placental angiogenesis and duodenal development status of piglets (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary Asta in sows can be transferred to piglets through the placenta or milk, which can improve sow reproductive outcomes and piglet growth by reducing oxidative stress during late gestation (LG) and lactation.