The effect of salinomycin on certain blood parameters and milk quality of lactating sows

Twenty-five gilts and sows, after pregnancy confirmation using the ultrason ic method, were randomly divided and allocated to the following five experi mental groups: SAL0 = negative controls, SAL20 = 20 mg salinomycin per kg o f feed, SAL40 = 40 mg salinomycin per kg of feed, SAL60 = 60 mg salinomycin per kg of feed and SAL80 = 80 mg salinomycin per kg of feed. Ail animals r emained under treatment for two consecutive breeding cycles. The sows were fed a home-mixed balanced feed during gestations and lactations. At the thi rd, tenth and eighteenth day of each lactation, blood and milk samples were collected. Blood samples were analysed for cholesterol and total lipids an d milk samples were analysed for the determination of the fat, lactose, pro tein, ash and totals solids concentrations, In all treated groups, choleste rol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with the c ontrols. Total lipid concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SAL40 and SAL60 groups in comparison with SALO and SAL20 groups, during bo th cycles. Milk fat concentrations were higher (P < 0.03) in treated groups than in the control group; the highest concentrations were observed at SAL 40 and SAL60 groups. In all treated groups, concentrations of milk lactose were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those observed in the negative co ntrol group. Milk protein concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.0 5) in SAL40 and SAL60 groups compared with the SALO group, but there was no significant difference in SAL20 and SAL80 groups in comparison with the SA LO group. No significant differences were observed concerning milk ash conc entrations between all groups. In all treated groups, concentrations of tot al solids were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in comparison with the contr ol group; the highest concentrations were observed in the SAL40 and SAL60 g roups. It is concluded that the use of salinomycin in sow diet, increases c oncentrations of blood triglycerides and cholesterol and improves the quali ty of milk, thus reflecting on higher weight gain and survival rate of suck ling piglets.