Effects of feeding oregano essential oil to sows on performance of her off spring from weaning through market

It has long been acknowledged that some plant essential oils exhibit diverse functional activities. Oregano essential oil (OEO) has been shown to possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant activities (1). Analysis of the chemical components of OEO has shown that it contains high levels of carvacrol and thymol.

The phenolic nature of these two compounds is responsible for the potent activities associated with OEO. Results from several studies have shown that OEO supplementation positively influences sow reproduction and litter health (2, 3). In this study, we investigated the effects of feeding OEO to sows on performance and carcass characteristics of her off spring.

Claudia Ariza-Nieto², ³ Roger D. Walker² Martha A. Mellencamp¹ Samuel K. Baidoo²

1. Ralco Nutrition, Inc., Marshall, MN, USA; 2. Southern Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Waseca, MN, USA; 3. CORPOICA, Bogata, Colombia

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