Variations in Diacron-Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Biological Antioxidant Potential Across Reproductive Phases and Parities in Sows Reared Under Different Production Systems

Oxidative stress is a detrimental factor affecting pig reproductive performance but has rarely been evaluated in clinical fields. We evaluated the potential of diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) as stable markers for assessing oxidative stress in breeding sows. The 28 sows were categorized into a low-parity group (n = 18, parity 1-2) and a high-parity group (n = 10, parity 4-6) at two commercial farms. Blood samples were collected at three stages: farrowing, weaning, and early pregnancy. At each stage, the levels of oxidative stress markers and reproductive performance parameters were statistically analyzed. The findings revealed that heightened levels of oxidative stress in sows at farrowing have negative effects on the total number of piglets at subsequent farrowing. Moreover, the farm employing a group management system demonstrated a superior total number of piglets on subsequent farrowing compared with the farm utilizing individual stall-based management. This study shows that oxidative stress can be evaluated using d-ROMs and BAP, which are associated with reproductive score. Using these parameters, the current oxidative status of sows can be evaluated, allowing for the development of countermeasures to reduce oxidative stress, which in turn may contribute to improved productivity in swine production systems.