Piglet Body Weight Research Articles

Early life administration of milk fat globule membrane promoted SCFA-producing bacteria colonization, intestinal barriers and growth performance of neonatal piglets.

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) possesses various nutritional and biological benefits for mammals, whereas its effects on neonatal gut microbiota and barrier integrity remained unclear. This study investigated the effects of MFGM administration on microbial compositions and intestinal barrier functions of neonatal piglets. Sixteen newborn piglets were randomly allocated into a CON group or MFGM group, orally administered with saline or MFGM solution (1 g/kg body weight) respectively during the first postnatal week, and all piglets were breastfed during the whole neonatal period. The present study found that the MFGM oral administration during the first postnatal week increased the plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) G level, body weight and average daily gain of piglets (P < 0.05) on 21 d. Additionally, MFGM administration enriched fecal SCFA-producing bacteria (Ruminococaceae_UCG-002, Ruminococaceae_UCG-010, Ruminococaceae_UCG-004, Ruminococaceae_UCG-014 and [Ruminococcus]_gauvrearuii_group), SCFA concentrations (acetate, propionate and butyrate; P < 0.05) and their receptor (G-protein coupled receptor 41, GPR41). Furthermore, MFGM administration promoted intestinal villus morphology (P < 0.05) and barrier functions by upregulating genes of tight junctions (E-cadherin, claudin-1, occludin and zonula occludin 1 [ZO-1]), mucins (mucin-13 and mucin-20) and interleukin (IL)-22 (P < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between the beneficial microbes and SCFA levels pairwise with the intestinal barrier genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, orally administrating MFGM during the first postnatal week stimulated SCFA-producing bacteria colonization and SCFA generation, enhanced intestinal barrier functions and consequently improved growth performance of neonatal piglets on 21 d. Our findings will provide new insights about MFGM intervention for microbial colonization and intestinal development of neonates during their early life.

Dietary Inclusion of Blood Plasma with Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Supplementation Enhanced the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Lactobacillus Count, and Reduced Gas Emissions in Weaning Pigs.

Simple SummarySince 20th century, the use of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement has been increased in animals feed due to its promising effects and potential to brighten the livestock industry in future. The feed cost of blood plasma is very expensive and, due to its high cost, it has been used mainly in piglet diets. In this regard, we implemented 3% blood plasma with 3% yeast supplementation to piglets mainly from 0–7 days, and gradually reduced the concentration of blood plasma with yeast supplement to 1.5:1.5% from 8–21 days and observed how it affects the overall performance of pigs on the remaining days 22–42 fed only basal diet. As expected, piglets fed blood plasma with yeast supplement over 0–21 days has a great impact on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, and gas emission at the end of the experiment. Thus, we suggest that blood plasma with yeast could be an excellent alternative in the livestock industry.This experiment was performed to examine the hypothesis that blood plasma (BP) with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement in the diet of weaning pigs could provoke the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, and reduce harmful gas excretion. A total of one hundred and eighty healthy piglets were taken and assigned (complete random blocks) to three dietary treatments as: Phase 1: Treatment (TRT) 1-6% BP; TRT 2-3% BP + 3% yeast; TRT 3-6% yeast. Phase 2: TRT 1-3%; BP., TRT 2-1.5% BP + 1.5% yeast; TRT 3- 3% yeast. Phase 3: TRT 1- Control (CON) (Basal diet); TRT 2- CON; TRT 3- CON for six- weeks. Each treatment had twelve replicates and five (three gilts and two barrows) pigs per pen. Dietary inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation significantly increased the body weight of piglets during phase 2 (p = 0.003) and phase 3 (p = 0.032). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had a significant improvement in average daily gain at the end of each phase and overall (p = 0.047, 0.025, 0.018 and 0.012, respectively). At phase 3, TRT2 group piglets showed a significant improvement on nutrient digestibility of dry matter (p = 0.012) and nitrogen (p = 0.040). The fecal microbiota of TRT2 group piglets showed a tendency to increase the number of Lactobacillus counts at phase 1 (p = 0.07) and phase 2 (p = 0.06) as well as, a significant improvement at phase 3 (p = 0.021). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had trend to decrease NH3 (p = 0.074) and H2S (p = 0.069) during phase 2, and significantly reduced NH3 (p = 0.038) and H2S (p = 0.046) at phase 3. However, the fecal score of piglets remains unaffected during the entire trial. At the end of phase 1 piglets’ IgG (p = 0.008) was significantly increased with the inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation. Based on the positive effects on body weight, average daily gain, nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus count, and reduced gas emission, we suggest that dietary supplement with BP and yeast in the diet of weaned piglet could serve as an excellent alternative to antibiotics growth promoters.

Serine Supplementation in the Diets of Late Gestating and Lactating Sows Improves Selenium Nutritional Status in Sows and Their Offspring.

Serine can regulate selenoprotein expression, and dietary serine is correlated with the contents of plasma selenoprotein P (Sepp1) and milk selenium (Se) in lactating mothers. Based on this, we investigated the effects of serine supplementation in the diets of late gestating and lactating sows on Sepp1 and Se contents in sows and their offspring. A total of 72 sows were assigned to four groups. During the experiment, sows were fed either a basal diet or basal diets supplemented with three different levels of serine. The results showed that maternal dietary serine had no effect on the Se content in the serum of sows and their offspring, whereas it significantly increased the Se content in the liver of piglets at the age of 21 days. Maternal dietary serine significantly increased Sepp1 content, either in the serum of sows or that in their offspring at the ages of 3 days, 7 days, and 21 days. Additionally, maternal dietary serine significantly increased litter weight and the average body weight of piglets at the age of 11 days. Notably, a positive correlation was found between the average body weight of piglets at the age of 11 days and serum Sepp1 content in piglets, at the age of either 3 days or 7 days. In conclusion, maternal dietary serine supplementation could improve Se nutritional status in sows and their offspring. These beneficial changes may contribute to the higher body weight of the offspring.

Interaction effects of pig farming systems with educational level on performances of pig production systems in Manokwari District, West Papua-Indonesia

The aim of this research was to characterize pig farming system performances tethered under different agro-ecological zones in Papua. The field study was done in Manokwari regency and involved six districts, i.e. Nothern Manokwari district, Eastern Manokari District, Western Manokwari district, Warmare district, Prafi district and Masni district. Respondents chosen were guided by local extensionists, originated from 15 villages. Participatory situation analysis (PSA) was employed to approach pig farmers by using questionnaire. Pig body weights of piglets and growers were weighed except for mature pigs, body lengths and hearth girths were measured using tape. Herd number, number of piglets, adult pigs were recorded. A one-way analysis of variances was used. All data were entered in Excel and analyzed using SPPS version 10.0.. The findings shown that interaction between education and keeping systems occur on work hours and ages. Effect of education is significant on experience, location, and ethnic. In keeping systems, effect is real on experience, work hours, location, and ethnic. Interaction do not significant exist in number of pigs including see middle man, visited consumer, litter size, number of farrowing and income sources.

Evaluation of dietary-coated omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on reproduction performance, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles in lactating sows and suckling piglets

A total of 16 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were used in a 33-d trial (7 d before expected parturition) to determine the effects of dietary-coated omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on reproduction performance, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles in lactating sows and suckling piglets. Pigs were randomly allotted into two treatments with eight replicates per treatment, and the parity was 4.9. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON, corn–soybean-meal-based diet [omega-6:omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio of 17:1] and TRT, CON + 0.9% omega-3 PUFA (omega-6:omega-3 PUFA ratio of 5:1). The supplementation of coated omega-3 increased piglet’s body weight (BW) (day 7) and average daily gain (ADG) (days 0–7) (P &lt; 0.05) from farrowing to weanling compared with control. No differences (P &gt; 0.05) were observed on reproduction performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile in sows. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the dietary supplementation of 0.9% omega-3 PUFA in corn–soybean-meal-based diet (omega-6:omega3 PUFA ratio of 5:1) improved BW and ADG of suckling piglets during the first week.

The Effect of Increasing Neutral Detergent Fiber Level through Different Fiber Feed Ingredients throughout the Gestation of Sows.

Simple SummaryTo reduce feed costs, the exploration of feed resources is currently the main research direction. In the past, fiber feed was generally regarded as anti-nutritional factors. Recently, fiber has received special attention due to its many beneficial effects. Therefore, this study selected five common household and production wastes as fiber sources and added them to the diet of pregnant sows to explore the impact on sows and piglets. The results of this study indicated that adding corn gluten feed (CG) significantly improved the digestibility of sows and body weight (BW) of piglets, which provide evidence and insight for the application of corn gluten feed in gestation sow diets.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of increasing dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels on pregnant sows, and to select the best feed ingredients based on reproductive performance, plasma biochemistry parameters, colostrum and milk composition, and nutrient digestibility. Seventy-two multiparous sows were randomly allotted to six dietary treatment groups (n = 12). The feeding of chicory meal (CM), wheat bran (WB), corn gluten, and rice bran meal (RBM) increased the average weaning weight of piglets compared with the control (CON) group (p < 0.05). Supplementation with CG diet increased the sow BW, weight gain, and back fat thickness compared with WB and RBM on day 107 of gestation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Supplementation with CG diet resulted in lower plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and higher total protein (TP) concentrations in plasma (p < 0.05). Feeding CM diet and soybean curd residue (SCR) diet reduced the total protein and globulin, and supplementation with CM diet significantly increased the PUN (p < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were decreased following the addition of CM, WB, or SCR to the diets (p < 0.05). The ATTD of NDF and ADF were significantly increased in the CG group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the feeding of CG diet to sows have an excellent effect.

Ingestion of xylooligosaccharides during the suckling period improve the feed efficiency and hindgut fermentation capacity of piglets after weaning.

Fiber ingestion during the suckling period is helpful for gut development and probiotic colonization. Xylooligosaccharides (Xos) and xylan (Xyl) were selected to investigate the effects of different polymerization degree fiber ingestion on the growth performance and microbiota fermentation capacity of pre- and post-weanling piglets. An in vitro fermentation trial was also conducted to verify the microbial fermentation capacity of weanling piglet fecal microbiota. Results showed that Xos and Xyl ingestion had no significant effect on the piglet body weight and D-lactate level in the plasma at 21 d during the suckling period. After weaning, piglets in the Xyl group had a lower average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), vitro dry matter (DM) fermentability (P < 0.05) and activity of xylanase (P < 0.05) than the control and Xos groups. The Xos group had no significant difference in the ADG when compared with the control group, but a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05) than the control group, which means a high feed efficiency in the Xos group. The highest carbohydrate digestion and absorption ability of fecal microbiota (P < 0.05) was found in the Xos group. Meanwhile, the Xos group had the highest butyrate production ability (P < 0.05) and activity of xylanase (P < 0.05) during in vitro fermentation. The ingestion of Xyl during the suckling period had negative effects on the feed efficiency and hindgut fermentation capacity of weanling piglets. Xylooligosaccharide ingestion to suckling piglets improves growth performance and feed efficiency after weaning through increasing the fermentation capacity of microbiota and fiber-degrading enzyme secretion.

275 Feeding a whole-cell inactivated Pichia guilliermondi yeast to gestating and lactating sows in a commercial production system

Abstract A total of 606 sows (PIC 1050) and their progeny (PIC 1050×280) were used to determine if feeding gestating and lactating sows a proprietary strain of Pichia guilliermondi as a whole-cell inactivated yeast product (WCY; CitriStim, ADM Animal Nutrition, Quincy, IL) improves sow and litter performance in a commercial production system. Once confirmed pregnant at d 35 post-breeding pregnancy check, sows were fed either a basal gestation control (CON) diet (0.55% SID Lysine) or the control diet fortified with 0.15% (1.36 kg/ton) of the WCY replacing corn in the CON diet. Dietary treatments were also fed in lactation (1.05% SID Lysine) once sows were moved into farrowing crates on approximately d 112 of gestation until weaning. Sows supplemented with WCY in gestation and lactation had a greater number of total born piglets by 0.45 pigs (P=0.040), born alive (P&amp;lt; 0.04), heavier born alive litter weight (P&amp;lt; 0.001), and greater post cross-foster litter size (P&amp;lt; 0.001) compared to CON fed sows. Litter size at weaning was increased by 0.54 pigs when sows were fed WCY compared to CON (P&amp;lt; 0.001). However, the average piglet weaning weights from CON fed sows were heavier by 0.35 kg compared to WCY (P&amp;lt; 0.001). This increase in body weight of piglets from CON fed sows is partially explained by their 0.93 days longer lactation (P&amp;lt; 0.001), and may also be due to the smaller litter size nursed throughout lactation. The percent of litters treated for scours decreased from 38.3% to 14.2% when sows were fed WCY (P&amp;lt; 0.001). The distribution of birth weights by body weight range was not different (P=0.2461) between treatments. In conclusion, feeding gestating and lactating sows a proprietary strain of Pichia guilliermondi as a whole-cell inactivated yeast product increased the number of piglets born and number weaned as well as decreased the prevalence of scours during lactation.

PSVI-11 Non-GMO beet pulp and canola meal corn-soybean meal diet has comparable effects as that of GMO corn-soybean meal diet on the performance of sows and piglets

Abstract Consumers are concerned about the safety of livestock feed stuff with the increasing use of genetically modified organisms (GMO).The objective of the present experiment was to compare the effect of non-GMO sugar-beet pulp (SBP) and canola meal (CM) in the diet with GMO corn-soybean meal basal diets on reproduction performance in gestation-lactation sows and the performance of their litters. A total of 16 lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, Parity = 2.4), were randomly allotted to 1 of 2 treatments with 8 sows per treatment starting from the last 4 weeks of gestation to 21 day of lactation. Treatments consisted of GMO diet (CON) and non-GMO diet (NO). Sows were individually fed gestation and lactation diets that were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) recommendations for all nutrients. The amount of feed consumed during the lactation periods was recorded and used to calculate the average daily feed intake (ADFI). Number of piglets born and piglets weaned were also recorded to calculate the survival rate. Individual piglet body weight (BW) and litter weights were assessed on days 0, and 26 to calculate average daily gain (ADG). All data were subjected to the GLM procedures of SAS in a randomized complete block design. The variability in the data was expressed as standard error of means (SEM). A probability level of P&amp;lt; 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. In the current study, NO treatment diets showed comparable effects on the BW, ADFI, backfat thickness, body condition score, and estrus interval of sows as that of basal diet. In addition, there was also no significant difference in growth performance of piglets fed NO treatment diets compared with CON diet (P &amp;gt; 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated the utilization of non-GMO beet pulp, and canola meals do not have any adverse effect on the performance of sows and their litters.

The Effect of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products and Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome on Litter Performance Traits, Milk Composition, and Fecal Microbiota in Sows.

Simple SummarySupplementation of probiotics can shape the gut microbiota of sows and further influence their offspring’s gut microbiota. Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is a common disease in sows worldwide. Sows with PDS have depressed milk production and increased piglet mortality. The bacterial pathogen is an important factor in the etiology of PDS. Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) containing probiotics and antimicrobial substances can prevent disease and improve growth performance in broilers and weaning piglets. However, little is known about the effect of BLFP, PDS, and interaction on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows. In this study, the effects of BLFP and PDS on sows were evaluated. Results show that BLFP supplementation in the diet of sows improves the piglet body weight at weaning. Dietary supplementation of BLFP or PDS differentially regulates the fecal microbiota of sows.This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) and postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) on litter performance traits, milk composition, and fecal microbiota in sows in a commercial farrow to finish pig farm. Fifty multiparous cross-bred pregnant sows were randomly assigned to two groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet (pregnancy and nursery diet) as control and basal diet supplemented with 1.5 g/kg of BLFP. Sows with PDS in the two groups were further verified 12 h post-partum. Results show that the piglet body weight at weaning was increased in sows fed the BLFP compared to those fed the control diet. The milk fat content of prepartum sows was reduced in sows fed the BLFP. Postpartum sows with PDS had increased milk solid content compared with healthy sows. Microbial composition and species relative abundance analysis indicated distinct bacterial clusters between the groups. The abundance of the family Prevotellaceae in the feces decreased in sows with PDS. BLFP increased the average abundance of the genus (Eubacterium) coprostanoligenes group in feces of sows. These findings demonstrate that BLFP in the diet of sows can improve the piglet body weight at weaning and modulate the fecal microbiota of sows. PDS also has an impact on milk composition and fecal microbiota in sows.

Postpartum prostaglandin F2α administration affects colostrum yield, immunoglobulin G, and piglet performance.

ObjectiveCurrent study was conducted to determine the effect of postpartum prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) administration on colostrum and milk yield, colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and piglet growth performance.MethodsIn total, 36 sows were included in the experiment. The sows were classified into two groups: i) control (n = 11) and ii) PGF2α (n = 25). Sows in the PGF2α group received 10 mg of PGF2α within an hour after farrowing. The body weight of piglets was measured at 0 and 24 h after birth to estimate colostrum consumption. Colostrum was collected at 1 and 24 h after farrowing to determine IgG concentrations. For milk yield study, the remaining sows in the PGF2α group (n = 23) were divided into two subgroups: i) single PGF2α (n = 12) and ii) multiple PGF2α (n = 11). In the multiple PGF2α, the sows received repeated doses of PGF2α at seven and 14 days postpartum. The piglets’ body weight was measured at 0, 1, 5, and 20 days of age. The milk yield of the sows was calculated.ResultsColostrum yield of sows averaged 5.62±2.25 kg. Sows treated with PGF2α postpartum had a higher colostrum yield than control (7.01 and 5.12 kg, p<0.05). The concentration of IgG in colostrum at 24 h in the PGF2α group was higher than the control (31.6 and 17.4 g/L, p<0.05). For primiparous sows, milk yield was highest in the sows treated with multiple doses of PGF2α during lactation and lowest in control sows (10.25 and 7.61 kg, p<0.05). Colostrum intake was higher in the treatment than the control groups (+56.7 g, p<0.05). Primiparous sows treated with multiple doses of PGF2α had a higher litter weight than controls (p<0.01).ConclusionPostpartum treatment with PGF2α improved colostrum yield and IgG in multiparous sows and increased colostrum intake of piglets. Multiple administration of PGF2α improved the milk yield and increased litter weight of piglets in primiparous sows.

Impact of arginine supplementation on serum prolactin and mRNA abundance of amino acid transporter genes in mammary tissue of lactating sows.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that supplemental dietary Arg to late-pregnant and lactating sows increases serum prolactin concentrations and mRNA abundance of SLC7A1, SLC7A2, and SLC6A14 in mammary parenchymal tissue. From day 108 of gestation and until day 21 of lactation, sows were fed a diet either supplemented with 0.10 g of l-Arg/kg body weight (BW) per day (n = 10, ARG) or 0.34 g of l-Glu/kg BW per day (n = 10, control). Litters were standardized to 10 piglets on day 1 of lactation and piglets were weighed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of lactation. Sow BW was recorded on day 108 of gestation and days 1, 10, and 21 of lactation. Lactation sow feed intake was recorded daily. Mammary parenchymal tissue was biopsied on day 5 of lactation to measure mRNA abundance SLC7A1, SLC7A2, and SLC6A14. On days 4 and 18 of lactation, blood samples were collected from sows at 2, 4, and 6 hr postfeeding to measure serum prolactin concentrations. Milk samples were collected on days 4, 10, and 18 of lactation to measure fat, lactose, urea N, and true protein concentrations. Sow BW, backfat, and feed intake over all sampling days did not differ between treatments. Piglet BW on d 1 tended to be greater for the ARG treatment than the control treatment (P = 0.12). Sow milk yield and composition (fat, protein, lactose, and urea N) and mammary mRNA abundance of candidate genes did not differ between the ARG and the control group. Compared to controls, serum prolactin concentrations tended to be greater (P = 0.08) in ARG sows on day 4 of lactation, and did not differ on day 18. Current findings show a potential beneficial effect of dietary supplementation with Arg to late-pregnant multiparous sows on BW of their piglets on day 1. Dietary Arg supplementation at a rate of 0.10 g/kg BW during late pregnancy and lactation tended to increase serum prolactin concentrations with no increase in mammary transcript abundance of SLC7A1, SLC7A2, and SLC6A14 in early lactation.

Effects of two bacillus strains probiotic supplement on reproduction performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal score, excreta odor contents and fecal microflora in lactation sows, and growth performance in sucking piglets

• To evaluate the effects of three concentrations (0.0%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) of dietary supplementation with two bacillus strains probiotic (BP) in lactation sows and their piglets,. • The 0.2% BP supplemented in sow diets could improve the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter,. • The content of NH 3 emission, and total mercaptan, and E. coli were linearly decreased when sows fed diets supplementation with 0.2% BP,. • Suckling piglets’ body weight and average daily gain were linearly increased by 0.2% BP supplementation in sow diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two bacillus strains probiotic ( BP ) supplement on reproduction performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal noxious gas emission, and fecal microflora in lactation sows, and growth performance in their piglets. A total of 24 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) and their litters were used in a 28 d experiment. On 111 d of gestation, sows were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with 8 sows and their litters per treatments. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) control ( CON ): basal diet, 2) BP0.1: CON + 0.1% two bacillus strains probiotic; and 3) BP0.2: basal diet + 0.2% two bacillus strains probiotic. The body weight ( BW ), feed consumption, and backfat thickness of sows were checked. Number of piglets born, live, stillbirth and mummification were also recorded to calculate the survival rate after farrowing. Individual piglet BW was assessed to calculate average daily gain ( ADG ). Flesh fecal samples was collected to evaluate apparent total tract digestibility ( ATTD ), fecal microbial and gas emission. Supplementation with the BP linearly increased the piglets BW at 21 d and 25 d ( P < 0.05), and ADG during different grow period ( P < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter ( DM ) in sow supplemented with BP was linearly improved (linear, P < 0.05). Sows fed BP supplementation diets had a reduction in fecal NH 3 concentration (linear, P < 0.05). At weaning, sows fed with the BP supplementation diets had reduced E. coli population (linear, P < 0.05). Our results indicated that the BP in sow diets improved DM digestibility, reduced E. coli concentration, and decreased NH 3 and total mercaptan concentrations. Sucking piglet's growth performance was increased by supplementation BP of the sow diet.

Effects of mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate in sow diets on epigenetic modification and growth of progeny.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate (MMHAC) partially replacing inorganic trace minerals in sow diets on epigenetic and transcriptional changes in the muscle and jejunum of progeny. The MMHAC is zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) chelated with methionine hydroxy analog (Zn-, Mn-, and Cu-methionine hydroxy analog chelate [MHAC]). On day 35 of gestation, 60 pregnant sows were allotted to two dietary treatments in a randomized completed block design using parity as a block: 1) ITM: inorganic trace minerals with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), manganese oxide (MnO), and copper sulfate (CuSO4) and 2) CTM: 50% of ITM was replaced with MMHAC (MINTREX trace minerals, Novus International Inc., St Charles, MO). Gestation and lactation diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC requirements. On days 1 and 18 of lactation, milk samples from 16 sows per treatment were collected to measure immunoglobulins (immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M) and micromineral concentrations. Two pigs per litter were selected to collect blood to measure the concentration of immunoglobulins in the serum, and then euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa, jejunum tissues, and longissimus muscle to measure global deoxyribonucleic acid methylation, histone acetylation, cytokines, and jejunal histomorphology at birth and day 18 of lactation. Data were analyzed using Proc MIXED of SAS. Supplementation of MMHAC tended to decrease (P = 0.059) body weight (BW) loss of sows during lactation and tended to increase (P = 0.098) piglet BW on day 18 of lactation. Supplementation of MMHAC increased (P < 0.05) global histone acetylation and tended to decrease myogenic regulatory factor 4 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA; P = 0.068) and delta 4-desaturase sphingolipid1 (DEGS1) mRNA (P = 0.086) in longissimus muscle of piglets at birth. Supplementation of MMHAC decreased (P < 0.05) nuclear factor kappa B mRNA in the jejunum and DEGS1 mRNA in longissimus muscle and tended to decrease mucin-2 (MUC2) mRNA (P = 0.057) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) mRNA (P = 0.057) in the jejunum of piglets on day 18 of lactation. There were, however, no changes in the amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, TGF-β, MUC2, and myogenic factor 6 in the tissues by MMHAC. In conclusion, maternal supplementation of MMHAC could contribute to histone acetylation and programming in the fetus, which potentially regulates intestinal health and skeletal muscle development of piglets at birth and weaning, possibly leading to enhanced growth of their piglets.

Effects of dietary levan-type fructan on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal noxious gas emissions, and litter performance in lactating sows

In total, 28 multiparous sows (n = 7) and their litters were used to determine the effects of levan-type fructan supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, and fecal noxious gas emissions. The dietary treatments included (1) CON, basal diet; (2) FC1, CON + 0.1% fructan; (3) FC2, CON + 0.2% fructan; and (4) FC3, CON + 0.3% fructan. No significant differences were observed (P &gt; 0.05) in body weight (BW), average daily feed intake, or back fat loss in lactating sows among treatments. However, blood lymphocyte concentrates were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in sows fed levan-containing diets than in those fed the CON diet. Weaning BW and overall average daily gain (ADG) of piglets in the FC3 treatment were higher (P &lt; 0.05) than piglets in the CON treatment. Blood lymphocytes and nutrient digestibility of sows, as well as the weaning BW and the ADG of piglets were increased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) as the concentration of levan increased in the diet. The diarrhea score of piglets and the fecal gas emissions of sows decreased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) as dietary levan increased. In conclusion, levan supplementation did not affect feed intake or decrease back fat loss of lactating sows, but it improved nutrient digestibility and immune ability, decreased fecal noxious gas emissions of lactating sows, and it improved growth performance and reduced diarrhea in piglets.

Effect of Restricted Suckling on Growth Performance and Behaviour of Crossbred Piglets

Present study was planned to acclimatize the pre-weaned piglet for stress tolerance through restricted suckling with or without mother’s visibility for improved piglet and through stress tolerance. For this, 244 piglets from 36 pregnant crossbred sows (Landrace × Desi), with 18 sows each, during summer season having 147 piglets and during winter season having 97 piglets were used. Eighteen sows along with their piglets were randomly distributed in 3 treatment groups viz. T0 (No restriction), T1 (restricted suckling with mother’s visibility) and T2 (restricted suckling without mother’s visibility) for the above said study for 3 months. A total of 15 minutes time was allotted for suckling of piglets in T1 and T2 group. Different records pertaining to body weight, feed intake, behaviour and growth parameter of piglets were recorded up to 3 months of age. At the end of the study period, body weight of piglets showed non-significant difference between the treatment groups. Grower feed intake during post-weaning (after 42 days) period showed significant difference (P less than 0.01) during winter season with highest value observed in T2 group. In rest of the period, non-significant difference was observed for all the treatment groups both during summer and winter season. Higher values for suckling behaviour was recorded for T1 and T2 groups than T0. From the present study, restricted suckling without mother’s visibility may be recommended at farm level for quick adaptation of piglets after weaning.

Gut eukaryotic communities in pigs: diversity, composition and host genetics contribution

BackgroundThe pig gut microbiome harbors thousands of species of archaea, bacteria, viruses and eukaryotes such as protists and fungi. However, since the majority of published studies have been focused on prokaryotes, little is known about the diversity, host-genetic control, and contributions to host performance of the gut eukaryotic counterparts. Here we report the first study that aims at characterizing the diversity and composition of gut commensal eukaryotes in pigs, exploring their putative control by host genetics, and analyzing their association with piglets body weight.ResultsFungi and protists from the faeces of 514 healthy Duroc pigs of two sexes and two different ages were characterized by 18S and ITS ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The pig gut mycobiota was dominated by yeasts, with a high prevalence and abundance of Kazachstania spp. Regarding protists, representatives of four genera (Blastocystis, Neobalantidium, Tetratrichomonas and Trichomitus) were predominant in more than the 80% of the pigs. Heritabilities for the diversity and abundance of gut eukaryotic communities were estimated with the subset of 60d aged piglets (N = 390). The heritabilities of α-diversity and of the abundance of fungal and protists genera were low, ranging from 0.15 to 0.28. A genome wide association study reported genetic variants related to the fungal α-diversity and to the abundance of Blastocystis spp. Annotated candidate genes were mainly associated with immunity, gut homeostasis and metabolic processes. Additionally, we explored the association of gut commensal eukaryotes with piglet body weight. Our results pointed to a positive contribution of fungi from the Kazachstania genus, while protists displayed both positive (Blastocystis and Entamoeba) and negative (Trichomitus) associations with piglet body weight.ConclusionsOur results point towards a minor and taxa specific genetic control over the diversity and composition of the pig gut eukaryotic communities. Moreover, we provide evidences of the associations between piglets’ body weight after weaning and members from the gut fungal and protist eukaryote community. Overall, this study highlights the relevance of considering, along with that of bacteria, the contribution of the gut eukaryote communities to better understand host-microbiome association and their role on pig performance, welfare and health.

Dietary Supplementation of a Yeast-Whey Preparation for Weaned Piglets

Abstract Weaning is a stressful period for the piglets and the sow. Stress during weaning is related to the change of diet which can affect the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the microbial and immunological status of the animals. In the experiment a yeast-whey preparation was used to decrease the transient growth depression related to reduction of feed intake by the piglets. The piglets were assigned to three treatments. In the control group (I) the animals obtained standard feed mixture used routinely at the farm. In the case of piglets from II and III treatment, the yeast-whey preparation was added in the quantity of 4 and 7%, respectively. Application of 7% yeast-whey preparation to the diet significantly increased the body weight of piglets (p&lt;0.05) and in consequence the average daily body weight gain (p&lt;0.01) in comparison with the control group of animals. Additionally, piglets which were fed the yeast-whey preparation diet had a higher feed intake (p&lt;0.05) and better feed conversion ratio (p&lt;0.05) than those fed a diet without the addition of this preparation. No significant differences were stated for most biological parameters (p&gt;0.05), except for the blood urea level, which was significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in the treatments where the yeast-whey preparation was used. These results indicated that yeast-whey preparation efficiently suppressed post-weaning diarrhea and improved the performance of the animals.

Phytogenic actives supplemented in hyperprolific sows: effects on maternal transfer of phytogenic compounds, colostrum and milk features, performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, and piglet intestinal gene expression.

Phytogenic actives (PA) are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds that may promote livestock health and well-being, as well as improve growth performance and production efficiency. The current study aims to evaluate their effects on sows and their offspring. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows (up to parity 7) were assigned to 3 experimental treatments. Control sows were offered a nonsupplemented diet during gestation and lactation, and treated sows were fed the control diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of a blend of PA (BPA) in lactation (L) or during gestation and lactation (GL). An evaluation was made of placental and milk maternal transfer of these BPA and colostrum-milk features, sows and piglets antioxidant status, reproductive performance (litter size), body weight (BW) changes, weaning-estrus interval, and litter performance. Finally, piglet´s jejunum gene expression was measured. The BPA supplementation during gestation (GL) increased the number of piglets born alive (P = 0.020) and reduced (P < 0.05) the newborn piglets BW, while there were no differences among treatments on the suckling (day 20) and weaned (day 7) piglets BW (P > 0.05). Dietary phytogenic volatile compounds reached GL placental fluid, and milk of L and GL sows (P < 0.05). Moreover, colostrum protein in GL and milk fat content in L and GL were increased (P < 0.05). Milk of GL showed inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05). Antioxidant status of GL sows showed an enhanced (P < 0.05) of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity levels at early gestation (day 35), whereas higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes at late gestation (day 110). Likewise, GL newborn piglets showed higher CAT levels, whereas both CAT and SOD levels in suckling piglets, as well as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in weaned piglets, were increased in L and GL (P < 0.05). Jejunum messenger ribonucleic acid abundance of suckling piglets in L and GL groups showed overexpression of barrier function MUC2, digestive enzyme IDO, and immune response PPARGC-α, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-10 genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPA supplementation in hyperprolific sows increased the litter size (born alive) and improved the composition and bioactivity of colostrum and milk, besides, modified the antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, as well as the suckling piglets gut health gene expression. Several BPA volatile compounds were prenatal and postnatal maternally transferred (placental fluid and milk).

Dietary ractopamine supplementation of pregnant sows: what are the impacts on the neonate?

The use of additives such as ractopamine (Rac) in pregnant sows during early-mid pregnancy is an alternative to increase foetal and progeny growth and development. However, Rac supplementation in finishing pigs can lead to behavioural and physiological changes similar to the typical stress responses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Rac in pregnant sows from day 25 to 50 of gestation (pre-hyperplastic stage) on piglet’s vitality, blood parameters, number, diameter and perimeter of muscle fibres in semitendinosus muscle and developmental characteristics of piglets at birth to weaning. Forty-one hybrid sows were divided into three dietary treatments: (1) control diet without Rac (control), (2) addition of 10 mg/kg of Rac (Rac10) and (3) addition of 20 mg/kg of Rac (Rac20). Higher numbers of low-vitality piglets (P<0.05) were observed in Rac-fed sows, regardless of dose, compared with the control group. Very low-density lipoprotein levels were lower in the Rac10 group when compared with the Rac20 group at day 21. Haematocrit was greater, and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was lower in piglets from Rac-fed sows. No significant statistical differences were detected regarding piglets body weight, average daily gain, blood gasometry, complete blood count and muscle fibre measurements in semitendinosus muscle. The use of Rac in pregnant sows reduced the vitality parameters of piglets but did not improve the performance from birth until weaning and did not negatively influence the haematological parameter and lipid metabolism.