In conclusion, this study shows beneficial effects
of dietary supplementation with glycitein on increasing
antioxidant capacity in plasma and milk, improving
the content of milk protein and fat through elevating
plasma glycitein of sows, and improving the growth
performance of their piglets during lactation. Responses
to increasing levels of glycitein (up to the maximal 45
mg/kg tested here) were usually linear for most affected
variables. No obvious deleterious effects were identified.
The results indicate that glycitein, the isoflavone
examined here, may be a promising feed additive for
sows in late pregnancy and especially during lactation