L-carnitine is a vitamin-like nutrient that is essential for proper fat and energy metabolism, and also plays a role in protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Because of its impact on metabolic processes, over 25 years of research has demonstrated that L-carnitine supplementation in sow gestation and lactation diets results in improved performance. Much of the early research focused attention on improving litter size. Especially interesting with the modern hyperprolific sow is its ability to improve piglet birth weight and reduce the number of non-viable pigs born per litter. This impact on fetal development has also been shown to positively influence fetal muscle development resulting in greater carcass lean in offspring from sows fed diets with L-carnitine. Improvements in litter weight gain during suckling have been reported due to increased milk production and enhanced piglet suckling activity. Sow body weight and backfat gain have also been reported during gestation because of more efficient feed utilization. New research is suggesting even more potential applications for L-carnitine in sow diets. Recent data suggests that L-carnitine may shorten the time of parturition, reduce protein catabolism, influence gut barrier function andmicrobiota, and influence muscle maturation of low-birth weight pigs if supplemented in a milk replacer. Overall, there is a long history of L-carnitine use in sow diets and recent research is suggesting new applications that could be beneficial for themodern hyperprolific sow.
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