Guanidinoacetic Acid: How Can Sows Benefit From This Novel Feed Additive

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is an amino acid derivative and natural precursor of creatine. Creatine is synthesized from GAA in the liver, which in turn is synthesized from arginine and glycine in the kidney. Because GAA is the direct precursor of creatine, GAA should also be capable of sparing arginine and improving energy efficiency of gestating and lactating sows. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation of GAA during gestation and lactation on the performance and milk amino acid profile of high-prolific sows. A total of 180 sows (120 multiparous and 60 gilts) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design among 2 dietary treatments during gestation and afterwards in a factorial 2x2 experimental design according to previous gestation treatment and the use or not of GAA during lactation. The treatments improved total number of born alive in gilts, whereas animals receiving GAA showed a higher number of total born and piglets born alive. Although gilts improved number of born, still within litter birth weight variation was not influenced by treatments. GAA supplementation improved litter daily gain, average litter and piglet weaning weight and estimated daily milk production. The use of GAA during lactation also increased milk amino acid profile on d 7 of lactation, whereas amino acids such as lysine, methionine, arginine, valine and glutamine showed higher levels. The use of GAA during gestation is highly effective for gilts, and during lactation improves both multiparous and gilt performance and increased piglet growth rates.