Enrichment containing myo-inositol in alginate hydrogels with maternal pheromone effects on gestating sow behavior, performance, and physiology

Myo-inositol (MYO) in alginate hydrogel beads (AHBs) with maternal pheromone (MP) via enrichment was evaluated using measures of behavior, physiology, and farrowing performance of pregnant sows. Sows (N = 36) were randomly assigned into: a negative control group, without anything (NEG-CON), a positive control with AHBs-MP without MYO via enrichment (POS-AHB), and a treatment group provided AHB-MYO-MP via enrichment (TRT-AHB+). On Day 1 and 8 the POS-AHB group consumed more AHBs than the TRT-AHB+ (p < 0.01). Hematological data showed higher lymphocyte counts in NEG-CON than TRT-AHB+ on Day 8 (p < 0.05) but did not differ from POS-AHB. Monocytes were higher for TRT-AHB+ sows at Day 1 and 8 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.003, respectively) compared to NEG-CON, whereas lymphocytes in TRT-AHB+ were higher than POS-AHB on Day 8 (p < 0.001). On Day 8, platelet distribution width was greater in POS-AHB group compared to NEG-CON (p = 0.04) but did not differ from TRT-AHB+. Total plasma protein was higher in TRT-AHB+ compared with the other groups. Additionally, AST levels were significantly higher in POS-AHB than NEG-CON (p = 0.01). Blood cortisol concentrations and farrowing performance did not differ among groups. Behavior data showed higher active behaviors in TRT-AHB+ during the first and second hour (p < 0.05). Standing and interacting behaviors in TRT-AHB+ were higher during the second hour after providing AHBs (p < 0.05) but did not differ thereafter. In conclusion, AHB-MYO-MP increased enrichment-directed behavior but did not significantly influence physiological signs of stress.