Effect of the Addition of Magnesium Salt to a Feed Mixture on Intestinal Microflora, Health, and Production of Sows

The effect of feed mixture supplementation with MgCl2 on alimentary tract microflora, haematological markers, and selected parameters of reproductive performance of sows was investigated. The animals were divided into control group (K) and two experimental groups (E1 and E2). The sows from the experimental groups were receiving 1 g of MgCl2 6H20/100 kg b.w./day, which constituted 120 mg of pure magnesium, administered in a small portion of a feed mixture. The sows from group E1 were receiving MgCl2 every day for 30 d, whereas sows from group E2 for 60 d. A significant decrease in the count of E. coli, Providencia sp., and Proteus sp. was noted in faeces of the swine of both experimental groups. The study has also demonstrated a reduced number of lymphocytes and an increased number of granulocytes in blood of the sows receiving MgCl2. Feeding of pregnant sows with the addition of magnesium salt decreased the mortality rate of newborn piglets, increased the survival rate of piglets until 21 d of their life, and increased body weight values of litters originating from experimental sows, compared to the litters of control sows.