Abstract
Simple SummaryCalcium (Ca) is an important factor that affects the reproductive and lactation performance of sows. Circadian clocks and nutrient metabolism interact. We found that maternal feeding of Ca, varying with feeding time, improved the profile of some mineral elements in umbilical serum and milk, which contribute toward improving the productive performance of sows. This study confirmed that the absorption and metabolism of Ca in mammals also have circadian rhythms.This study aims to investigate the effect of Calcium (Ca) feeding time on a sow’s productive performance and the profiles of serum mineral elements during late pregnancy and lactation. A total of 75 pregnant sows were assigned to three groups: The control (C), earlier-later (E-L), and later-earlier (L-E) groups. During late pregnancy, the C group was fed an extra 4.5 g Ca (in the form of CaCO3) at both 06:00 and 15:00, the E-L group was fed an extra 9 g Ca at 06:00, and the L-E group was fed an extra 9 g Ca at 15:00. Similar treatments with double the amount of Ca were applied during lactation. The results show that, compared with the C group, L-E feeding decreased the number of stillbirths and the duration of farrowing and placenta expulsion (FARPLA) and increased the average daily weight gain (ADG) of piglets. Similarly, E-L feeding increased the ADG of piglets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both E-L and L-E feeding increased the Ca levels in sow serum and umbilical serum, and the Fe levels in umbilical serum, but decreased the Ca levels in the placenta and colostrum (p < 0.05). Experiments on the genes involved in mineral element transport showed that E-L feeding activated the mRNA expression of TRPV5, S100G, SLC30A7, SLC39A4, and Ferroportin1, while it inhibited the mRNA expression of ATP7A in the placenta (p < 0.05). Moreover, L-E feeding up-regulated the mRNA expression of ATP2B and IREB2, while it down-regulated the mRNA expression of ATP7B in the placenta (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that maternal Ca feeding at 15:00 h during late pregnancy and lactation decreased FARPLA and stillbirths and improved the growth performance of suckling piglets by altering the mineral element of the metabolism in the umbilical serum and milk, compared to conventional feeding regimes.
Highlights
Calcium (Ca) demands are understandably greater in modern sow lines with larger litter sizes and greater milk production capabilities
High prolificacy and prolonged farrowing in sows have been linked to hypocalcemic responses during farrowing; low levels or a low utilization rate of Ca in the diet fed to gestating sows can reduce litter size, prolong delivery time, increase the number of stillbirths, and result in a higher occurrence of skeletal problems in piglets [4]
Feeding Ca at 06:00 and 15:00 during late pregnancy affects mRNA expression of the placental circadian clock in pigs [13]. Consistent with these observations, the present study shows that the umbilical serum Ca increased significantly in both the
Summary
Calcium (Ca) demands are understandably greater in modern sow lines with larger litter sizes and greater milk production capabilities. It has been reported that dietary Ca plays an important role in the skeletal development of piglets during late pregnancy [1]. The Ca level in the diet affects milk Ca and other mineral element concentrations [2]. High prolificacy and prolonged farrowing in sows have been linked to hypocalcemic responses during farrowing; low levels or a low utilization rate of Ca in the diet fed to gestating sows can reduce litter size, prolong delivery time, increase the number of stillbirths, and result in a higher occurrence of skeletal problems in piglets [4]. Improving the utilization of Ca and other mineral elements is important for the productive performance of sows
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
