Gestation Sows Research Articles

Fermented Soybean Meal Affects the Reproductive Performance and Oxidative Status of Sows, and the Growth of Piglets

Simple SummaryFermentation of the cooked soybean meal increases the contents of isoflavone aglycones, provides soy proteins that are easier to absorb and eliminates trypsin inhibitors in soybean meal. In the present study, replacing soybean meal in the maternal diet with fermented soybean meal decreased the oxidative stress in the serum of sows and increased the average body weight of piglets on the 14th day and the 21st day after birth. We concluded that replacing the soybean meal in the maternal diet with the fermented soybean meal attenuates the oxidative stress status of the gestational and lactational sows, and enhances the average weight of their offspring.This study aimed to investigate the effect of the fermented soybean meal on the reproductive performance, oxidative stress and colostrum composition of sows, and the growth performance of their progeny. A total of 44 sows were allotted to four dietary groups (n = 11/group). The dietary groups included the basal diet group (control) and the treatment groups in which soybean meal in the basal diet was replaced with 2%, 4%, and 6% fermented soybean meal, respectively. The experimental diets were fed to the sows from the 78th day of gestation to the 21st day of lactation. Replacing soybean meal in the basal maternal diet with the fermented soybean meal decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, cortisol, and 8-iso-prostaglandinF2α in the serum of sows and increased the average weight of piglets on the 14th day and the 21st day after birth. The activity of superoxide dismutase in the serum of sows was increased in the group with 4% fermented soybean meal on the 17th day of lactation. The levels of estrogen and growth factors in the serum of sows were enhanced in the group with 6% fermented soybean meal. In the colostrum, the levels of the protein and the immunoglobulin G were enhanced in the group with 4% fermented soybean meal. In conclusion, replacing the soybean meal in the basal maternal diet with the fermented soybean meal attenuates the oxidative stress status of the gestational and lactational sows, and enhances the average weight of their offspring.

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.

Static and Dynamic Space Usage of Late-Gestation Sows

HighlightsA calibration procedure was conducted using a Kinect V2 to convert image pixels to physical measurements.A total of 61 sows were observed, and their static and dynamic space usage was measured from depth images.Equations were developed to predict the length, width, and height of sow space usage.Abstract. The amount of space provided to individually housed sows has both financial and animal welfare implications. Many U.S. swine producers use stall dimensions based on recommendations published in the 1980s (length × width × height: 2.13 m × 0.61 m × 1.00 m). Limited empirical data are available concerning the space allocation needed to accommodate modern sows housed in stalls during breeding, gestation, or farrowing. This study used a time-of-flight depth sensor to quantify static and dynamic space usage of 61 modern sows in late gestation. A calibration equation was developed to convert image pixels to physical dimensions. Statistical models were developed to relate the length, width, and height of sow space usage to body weight. The dimensions of sow space usage were then predicted. Results showed that free choice space usage of average (228 kg) sows was 1.96 m × 1.15 m × 0.93 m (length × width × height). For 95th percentile (267 kg) sows, space usage was 2.04 m × 1.12 m × 0.95 m. The width of space usage was primarily attributed to sow body depth when lying recumbent and the dynamic space used for transitioning between postures. These results help to inform future gestating and farrowing sow housing designs. Further work is needed to understand how restrictions on sow space usage may impact sow welfare and production performance, as well as the space needed to perform behaviors such as defecating, feeding, and turning around. Keywords: Animal welfare, Computer vision, Farrowing stall, Gestation stall, Kinect V2, Space allowance.

Evaluating the influence of noise emitted by environmental enrichment equipment in routine farrowing management practices

The installation of fans and rooftop sprinklers in swine housing and management facilities can increase noise intensity and may impair workers' hearing health over longs periods of time; therefore, an assessment of the piglets’ stress during invasive practices was made. This study set out to evaluate the noise intensity emitted by environmental enrichment devices (fans and rooftop sprinklers) and by piglets restrained for body temperature assessments and its effect on animal welfare and on the hearing health of workers exposed to it for long periods. Twenty piglets ranging in age from five to twenty days were observed. The sow gestation area was divided into a cooled (fans and rooftop sprinklers) and uncooled area. Two decibel meters were used to measure noise intensity, one for the general noise in the facilities and the other for the piglets, with five-minute intervals between assessments. Digital thermometers were used to take the rectal temperature, and infrared thermometers were used to take the body surface temperature. Fixed-effects ANOVA for the housing environment and periods and multiple comparisons at a significance level of 5% were applied. The average dorsal temperature of the piglets was 36 °C ± 1.2 in the cooled area and 38.4 °C ± 0.5 in the uncooled area. In both periods, the average maximum noise intensity was over 100 decibels. In the afternoon, the maximum intensity was higher for the uncooled environment. The results indicate that neither the fans nor the rooftop sprinklers installed in the facilities nor the squealing piglets during restraint affect the noise intensity of the environment. However, the noise intensity demonstrates the piglets’ stress and the need for protective equipment to preserve the workers’ hearing health.

The Role of Genetic Selection on Agonistic Behavior and Welfare of Gestating Sows Housed in Large Semi-Static Groups

Simple SummaryGroup-housing of gestating sows is becoming increasingly common worldwide as it offers the sows the opportunity to exercise, display exploratory behaviors, and develop social relationships. Despite its advantages, group-housing as it stands in modern industries also presents several welfare issues such as overt aggression between pen-mates and resulting stress and injuries. To date, breeding companies often largely focused their efforts on genetic selection based on individual production characteristics (e.g., litter size, piglets’ growth, and meat quality) and traditionally ignored the social behaviors and the ability to establish a dominance hierarchy without exacerbated aggression. Hence, the extent to which agonistic behavior differs according to new genetic lines is unknown. The objective of this study was to compare and investigate the influence of two genetic lines on the welfare and performance of sows housed in large semi-static groups (up to 91 animals). While the first genetic line was more aggressive toward pen-mates during gestation, the second had piglets with a lower robustness and survivability. This study raises the difficulty of finding an optimal genetic line, including both positive welfare and productivity outcomes, and points to the urgent need of considering social aspects when developing genetic lines for group-housing.Confinement of gestating sows is becoming banished in favor of group-housing in countries worldwide, forcing breeding companies to develop genetic lines adapted for social living. This study aimed at assessing the influence of two genetic lines selected for high performance (HP1, HP2, derived from Landrace × Yorkshire) on welfare and reproductive performance of sows housed in large semi-static groups (20 groups of 46–91 animals) across several parities. To address this, agonistic behaviors were recorded on d0, d2, d27, and d29 post-mixing while body lesions were scored on d1, d26, and d84. Sows’ individual and reproductive performances were also recorded. HP2 sows were more aggressive than HP1 sows since they fought (p = 0.028) and bullied (p = 0.0009) pen-mates more frequently on d0–d2. HP2 sows had more total body lesions throughout gestation than HP1 sows at higher parities (p < 0.0001). Regarding reproductive performance, HP2 sows lost less piglets (p < 0.0001) and tended to wean more piglets (p = 0.067) than HP1 sows. In conclusion, while HP2 sows were the most aggressive, HP1 sows had piglets with lower survivability, which raises ethical issues in both cases and points to the need of considering social aspects when developing genetic lines for group-housing.

PSVI-9 Mint oil, yeast cell, and ɣ-tocopherol supplementation in gestation and lactation diets on offspring performance during the post-wean period

Abstract Weaning is a period of pig growth associated with increased incidence of oxidative stress which can impact post-weaning performance. Inclusion of feed additives with antioxidant activity in sow diets has been reported to improve offspring growth beyond the suckling phase. A study assessed yeast cell, mint oil, and ɣ-tocopherol supplementation in sow gestation and lactation diets has on offspring post-weaning performance. A total of 605 piglets (6.14 ± 2.53 kg BW) from 53 sows were randomly allotted to 62 pens, balanced by weight and litter within maternal diet [Control diet (CON), control + yeast cell at 0.15% (YC), control + mint oil at 10 ppm (MO), and control + ɣ-tocopherol at 200 ppm (GT)]. Pens of pigs were given a common diet for 126 d post-wean in a 9-phase feeding regimen. After d29 post-wean, performance of pigs deemed light (&amp;lt; 5.10 kg) and heavy (&amp;gt;7.25 kg) at weaning were followed to d126. Performance was analyzed as randomized complete block with pen as experimental unit and Tukey’s adjustment as means separation test. Pigs from CON sows tended to be lighter pigs from all other treatment groups at weaning and d29 post-wean due to differences in daily gain. Lightweight MO and GT pigs had a heavier weight at d42 (P=0.002) than CON and YC pigs (16.8, 16.7, 19.3, and 19.9 ± 0.77 kg in CON, YC, MO, and GT, respectively). At d70 post-wean, GT pigs tended to be heavier than CON pigs, with YC and MO intermediate. Lightweight pigs from MO sows had greater gain (P=0.04) during the finishing period than all other treatment groups, with GT pigs gaining less. There were no detectable differences in BW during the finishing phase among treatments in heavyweight pigs, however, CON pigs tended (P=0.07) to gain the least. Exposure to mint oil and ɣ-tocopherol during the prenatal and suckling period may provide lasting benefits to light-weight pigs post-wean.

PSVI-10 Mint oil, yeast cell, and ɣ-tocopherol supplementation in gestation and lactation diets on the antioxidant status of the sow and offspring performance during the suckling period

Abstract Times of high metabolic activity can lead to increased incidence of oxidative stress in gestating and lactating sows which may impact suckling piglet performance. Identifying products that could help alleviate this stress would be beneficial. A study assessed yeast cell, mint oil, and ɣ-tocopherol supplementation in gestation and lactation diets on sow antioxidant status and offspring performance to weaning. A total of 53 sows and gilts (206.2 ± 35.3 kg at breeding) were assigned to one of 4 diet regimens: Control (CON), control + yeast cell at 0.15% (YC), control + mint oil at 10 ppm (MO), and control + ɣ-tocopherol at 200 ppm (GT). Diets were provided from breeding through weaning (lactation day 21 ± 2). Control diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements in gestation (3279 kcal ME/kg, 0.63% SID Lys) and lactation (3279 kcal ME/kg, 1.06% SID Lys). Yeast cell, mint oil and ɣ-tocopherol were added as a top dress once daily. Sow variables evaluated were weight at beginning and end of each period, feed intake, litter characteristics at birth, and antioxidant status in serum, colostrum and milk. Piglet growth during suckling was determined. Data were analyzed as randomized complete block and Tukey’s adjustment as means separation test. Maternal diet had minimal impact on gestation or lactation feed intake or sow body weight. There was no effect on litter size or piglet birth weight. Piglets from GT-fed sows tended to be heavier at weaning than YC piglets due to differences in daily gain. Glutathione content in colostrum and d14 milk samples did not differ by maternal treatment. D14 milk Glutathione content was 40%, 59%, 62%, and 51% greater in CON, YC, MO, and GT sows, respectively, compared to colostrum. No difference in superoxide dismutase content in serum and d14 milk observed. Inclusion of ɣ-tocopherol in sow gestation and lactation diets enhanced suckling piglet growth; connection to sow antioxidant status remains unclear.

151 Effect of enhanced organic acid supplementation in late gestation and lactation of sows on body weight change, litter performance and wean to estrus interval

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an enhanced organic acid formulation (EOA; Biotronic PX Top3; BIOMIN America Inc., Overland Park, KS) on sow farrowing and lactation performance, sow weight and backfat change, and wean to estrus interval. A total of 18 crossbred (Yorkshire x Chester White) sows were randomly allocated to one of two dietary treatments which consisted of control (CNT) and EOA supplemented (n = 9 per treatment). Treatment diets were fed to sows from d 90 of gestation until weaning. Sow body weight gain from d 90 of gestation through weaning was greater in EOA supplemented sows compared than CNT sows (30.9 vs 18.1 ± 2.3 kg, respectively; P = 0.010). Backfat from d 90 of gestation through weaning tended to be affected by dietary treatment (P = 0.051), where EOA supplemented sows had an increase in backfat compared to CNT sows which had a decrease in backfat (0.091 vs. -0.046 ± 0.037 cm, respectively). Total number of pigs born was greater for EOA sows compared to CNT sows (13.1 vs. 8.7 ± 1.1 piglets, respectively; P = 0.047). However, number of liveborn, stillborn, and mummified piglets did not differ among dietary treatments (P ≥ 0.207). Additionally, litter growth rate did not differ among dietary treatments (P = 0.631). Wean to estrus interval was longer for EOA sows compared to CNT sows (5.4 vs. 4.7 ± 0.1 days, respectively; P = 0.008). The present results indicate that addition of this EOA to sow diets in gestation and lactation may be beneficial to maintaining sow body condition.

271 Maternal transfer of phytogenic compounds supplemented during gestation and/or lactation of hyperprolific sows: effects on reproductive performance and colostrum-milk features

Abstract Improvement on litter size in hyperprolific sows has decreased piglet’s birthweight and increased newborn mortality. Besides, no significant changes have been reported on the sow colostrum-milk composition. Phytogenic compounds (PC) are phytochemicals that may promote swine health and performance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of PC maternal transfer on reproductive and litter performance, and sows colostrum-milk features. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows were assigned to 3 treatments. Control sows were unsupplemented, whereas treated sows were offered supplemented diets with 1 g/kg of a blend of PC (BPC) during gestation and lactation (GL), or only lactation (L). Maternal transfer of PC into the amniotic fluid and milk were determined by using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Farrowing and litter performance were monitored. Moreover, the colostrum and milk composition, and milk inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Candida albicans were determined. Data were analyzed with ANOVA by using the MIXED procedure of SAS, while, Fisher test for milk bacteriostatic activity was performed. Thymol, anethole, linalool, and eucalyptol were transferred via amniotic liquid, whereas, p-cymene, thymol, and anethole were also transferred into the milk (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were observed on number of total born piglets (C 17.14, L 17.75, and GL 19.16). However, BPC supplementation increased (P = 0.007) the piglets born alive (C 14.53, L 15.33, and GL 17.60), while reduced (P = 0.031) the newborn piglets BW. Colostrum protein in GL and milk fat contents in L and GL (Table 1) were increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Milk of GL showed inhibitory activity (P &amp;lt; 0.05) against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, dietary BPC supplementation during gestation and/or lactation increased the number of piglets born alive, enhanced both the colostrum-milk composition, and the milk inhibitory activity against well-known pathogens.

88 Benefits of increasing amino acid intake in late gestation in prolific sows

Abstract Most sows are fed a constant energy and amino acid supply throughout gestation, in line with the recommendations of most authorities and swine genetic companies. These recommendations for sow feeding have seen little change in decades, despite the many ways that sows have changed dramatically in reproductive performance. Beginning in about the year 2000, sow litter size has steadily increased as a result of genetic selection. With this increase in litter number has been a steady decline in birth weight, and the resulting negative effects of lower birthweight on subsequent piglet performance. Many experiments using so-called ‘bump’ feeding, or increased energy intake in late gestation, have been conducted in attempts to arrest this decline in birthweight and piglet performance. Generally, these experiments have shown little to no improvement in birthweight and often have negative effects on sow feed intake during gestation. These experiments have ignored the fact that the energy:amino acid ratios (lysine, threonine, isoleucine, tryptophan) in late gestation are different than during early and mid-gestation. In recent research in Australia we hypothesised that rapidly increasing essential amino acid levels in late gestation would increase birth weight and potentially improve subsequent reproductive performance. Three hundred and thirty-four multiparous PIC sows (average parity 3.6, average LW 261 kg) were housed in a dynamic gestation pen after mating and randomly assigned to one of two diet regimes. Two 13.5 MJ/kg DE gestation diets were formulated and created by blending in an ESF. The Control diet contained 0.48 g SID lysine per MJ DE and SID threonine, methionine+ cysteine, isoleucine and tryptophan at 68%, 65%, 58% and18% of SID lysine and offered at 2.2kg/day from d 28 to d 110. Sow were then moved to the farrowing house and placed on a lactation diet at 3.5kg/d. The Treatment diet contained 0.55 g SID lysine/MJ DE and SID threonine, methionine+cysteine, isoleucine and tryptophan at 78%, 65%, 60% and 20% of SID lysine and offered at 2.1kg/d from d 28 to d 85 and then increased to 2.4 kg/d to d 110 d. Increasing essential amino acid levels in late gestation increased gestational weight gain (5.6 kg, P=0.004), increased total litter birth weight (1.25 kg, P=0.003), and increased the birthweight of liveborn pigs from 1.286 to 1.329 kg, (P=0.04). There was no significant effect on the total number born or born alive. Piglet performance is not available because this commercial farm practices cross-fostering. Effects of continuation of this feeding regime in the same sows during subsequent parities is currently being evaluated.

21 Effects of supplementing late gestation sow diets with zinc on pre-weaning mortality of pigs under commercial rearing conditions

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine pre-weaning survival of pigs when sows were supplemented with 3 dietary levels of Zn in late gestation. Gilts and sows (n = 339) were assigned to one of three dietary treatments based on parity. Treatments were: 1) Control – corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 125 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (75 ppm Zn) and AvailaZn™ (50 ppm Zn, CON); 2) Intermediate – as Control + 240 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (INT); and 3) High – as Control + 470 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (HI). Final supplemental Zn concentrations of diets were: 1) CON – 125 ppm; 2) INT – 365 ppm; and 3) HI – 595 ppm. Sows received dietary treatments from about d 85 of gestation until farrowing. Individual piglet birth weights were recorded within 12 h of parturition and all instances of piglet mortality were recorded. The statistical model considered fixed effects of diet and random effects of parity. Chi-square analysis was used to determine diet effects on piglet mortality. There were no differences in total pigs born, born alive, or weaned per litter. However, piglets from sows fed the INT diet had heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) birth weights (1.42 kg) than those fed CON (1.38 kg). Furthermore, incidence of low birth weight pigs was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for sows consuming INT compared with sows fed CON and HI (Table 1). Overall piglet mortality tended to decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.10) as dietary Zn increased. Furthermore, mortality of low birth weight pigs decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as dietary Zn increased. Overall, effects of supplemental dietary Zn at 365 and 595 ppm in late gestation improved pre-weaning survival of low birth weight piglets and reduced overall pre-weaning mortality of piglets.

Reduced phosphorus intake throughout gestation and lactation of sows is mitigated by transcriptional adaptations in kidney and intestine

BackgroundThe environmental impact of pig farming need to be reduced, with phosphorus (P) being of particular interest. Specified dietary regimens and management systems contribute to meet environmental concerns and reduce economic constrains. However, pregnant and lactating sows represent vulnerable individuals, whose reproductive potential and metabolic health status relies on adequate supply of macro- and micronutrients. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether sows fed with a dietary P content that is below or above current recommendations are capable to maintain mineral homeostasis during the reproduction cycle and which endogenous mechanisms are retrieved therefore in kidney and jejunum. Nulliparous gilts were fed iso-energetic diets with recommended (M), reduced (L), or high (H) amounts of mineral P supplements throughout gestation and lactation periods. Blood metabolites and hormones referring to the P homeostasis were retrieved prior to term (110 days of gestation) and at weaning (28 days of lactation). Transcriptional responses in kidney cortex and jejunal mucosa were analyzed using RNA sequencing.ResultsThe variable dietary P content neither led to an aberration on fertility traits such as total weaned piglets nor to an effect on the weight pattern throughout gestation and lactation. Serum parameters revealed a maintained P homeostasis as reflected by unaltered inorganic P and calcium levels in L and H fed groups. The serum calcitriol levels were increased in lactating L sows. The endocrine responses to the dietary challenge were reflected at the transcriptional level. L diets led to an increase in CYP27B1 expression in the kidney compared to the H group and to an altered gene expression associated with lipid metabolism in the kidney and immune response in the jejunum.ConclusionsOur results suggest that current P requirements for gestating and lactating sows are sufficient and over supplementation of mineral P is not required. Shifts in renal and jejunal expression patterns between L and H groups indicate an affected intermediate metabolism, which long-term relevance needs to be further clarified.

Effects of dietary supplementation of different amounts of yeast extract on oxidative stress, milk components, and productive performance of sows

This study evaluated the effects of different amounts (0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg) of dietary yeast extract (YE, including 102 g/kg nucleotides) on the milk composition, oxidative stress status, and performance of sows and their offspring. A total of 80 multiparous Large White sows (2-3 of parity) were allotted to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments (0, 2.5, 5, 10 g/kg YE, with 0 g/kg YE used as control (CON)) based on body weight at day 85 of gestation (n=20 per treatment), and the experiment lasted from day 85 of gestation to day 21 of lactation. The reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets were measured. Blood samples were collected from sows and weaning piglets for measuring the level of oxidative stress parameters. The general composition and nucleotide concentrations of colostrum and milk were also measured. Results indicated that, with increasing YE amount in the diet, sows had a linear increase (P ≤ 0.05) in average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the first week of lactation, while a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.01) in body weight loss during lactation. Additionally, the 10 g/kg YE treatment tended to increase the number of weaned piglets per litter (P = 0.08). Furthermore, with increasing YE, the milk exhibited a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of cytidine 5’monophosphate (5’CMP), uridine 5’monophosphate (5’UMP), guanosine 5’monophosphate (5’GMP), inosine 5’monophosphate (5’IMP) and adenosine 5’monophosphate (5’AMP) and total nucleotides. Interestingly, the 10 g/kg YE treatment was higher than the control in serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) at day 109 of gestation of sows (P < 0.01) and also at weaning of piglets (P < 0.01), while lower (P < 0.05) for weaning piglets in the serum level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Collectively, the 10 g/kg YE treatment was shown to increase the concentration of nucleotides in milk and alleviate the oxidative stress status of both sows and weaning piglets.

Dietary fiber sources for gestation sows: Evaluations based on combined in vitro and in vivo methodology

An in vitro-in vivo methodology was used to evaluate the potential value of different sources of fiber for gestation sows. Soluble and insoluble dietary fiber of 9 feed ingredients were isolated and fermented in vitro with sow faecal inoculum, using the cumulative gas production technique, to examine the kinetics, end-products and microbiota of fermentation after 72 h. It was shown that all fermentation kinetics parameters of gas production varied among feed ingredients. The production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) and ammonia (NH3) were greater for wheat grain and maize compared to other feed ingredients on insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) fermentation for 36 h, and higher for maize compared to other feedstuffs on IDF fermentation for 72 h. However, SCFA, BCFA and NH3 were the highest of sorghum grain compared to other feedstuffs on soluble dietary fiber (SDF) fermentation for 36 and 72 h. The capacity of SCFA, BCFA and NH3 produced by SDF were significantly greater than that of IDF from different ingredients. IDF and SDF of beet pulp exhibited lower pH, higher Bacteroidetes and lower Firmicutes phylum after fermentation. The observed species and Shannon index in the beet pulp IDF and SDF were significantly lower than others. In genus level, Parabacteroides and unidentified_Prevotellaceae were higher but unidentified_Lachnospiraceae was lower in SDF fermentation compared to IDF fermentation. Further, a total of 75 multiparous gestation sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned three fiber-rich diets provided by beet pulp (BP), soybean hull (SH), and wheat bran (WB) after mating. The sows were fed with three different fiber diets during gestation, but all the sows were similarly fed ad libitum during lactation. Sows fed BP diets farrowed a greater number of total (+1.7 pigs, P<0.05) and alive (+1.1 pigs, P<0.1) piglets compared with sows fed SH diets. In summary, beet pulp, irrespective of fiber type maybe have a better potential to be used in sow nutrition to manipulate the fermentation activity, microbiota and a greater litter size. Moreover, IDF and SDF from different feed ingredients, as well as the same feedstuff IDF and SDF, due to differences in fiber structure and composition may affect microbiota composition and ultimately affect the level of fermentation metabolites produced.

Maternal supplementation with uridine influences fatty acid and amino acid constituents of offspring in a sow-piglet model.

To investigate the cumulative effects of maternal supplementation with nucleotides in the form of uridine (UR) on fatty acid and amino acid constituents of neonatal piglets, fifty-two sows in late gestation were assigned randomly into the control (CON) group (fed a basal diet) or UR group (fed a basal diet with 150 g/t UR). Samples of neonates were collected during farrowing. Results showed that supplementing with UR in sows' diet significantly decreased the birth mortality of pigs (P = 0·05), and increased serum total cholesterol, HDL and LDL of neonatal piglets (P < 0·05). Moreover, the amino acid profile of serum and liver of neonatal piglets was affected by the addition of UR in sows' diets (P < 0·05). Furthermore, an up-regulation of mRNA expression of energy metabolism-related genes, including fatty acid elongase 5, fatty acid desaturase 1, hormone-sensitive lipase and cholesterol-7a-hydroxylase, was observed in the liver of neonates from the UR group. Additionally, a decrease in placental gene expression of excitatory amino acid transporters 2, excitatory amino acid transporter 3 and neutral AA transporter 1 in the UR group was concurrently observed (P < 0·05), and higher protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B, raptor, PPARα and PPARγ in placenta from the UR group was also observed (P < 0·05). Together, these results showed that maternal UR supplementation could regulate placental nutrient transport, largely in response to an alteration of mTORC1-PPAR signalling, thus regulating the nutrition metabolism of neonatal piglets and improving reproductive performance.

Bump feed for gestating sows is really necessary?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bump feeding for the final third of gestation on the performance of sows and their litters and on colostrum nutritional quality. Seventy hyperprolific sows of a commercial genetic line were selected according to their reproductive history. Sows were assigned to two treatments, no increase of feed (control, 2.4 kg/d of 3.25 Mcal/kg diet) or with increased feed (Bump feeding, 3.0 kg/d) from 81 days of gestation to farrowing with 35 replicates per treatment. No differences were observed for treatments on sow weight, weight gain, piglet birth weight, litter birth weight, coefficient of variation, number of total births, stillbirths, live births, and placental efficiency. The treatments also did not influence the calcium, phosphorus, ash, lactose, crude protein, zinc, ether extract, and crude energy content of the colostrum. Based on the results of the present study, the use of bump feeding in the final phase of gestation of sows becomes questionable, due the lack of effect on sow and litter performance.

Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture alleviates oxidative stress and cell apoptosis induced by dietary zearalenone in first-parity gestation sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the alleviation of Bacillus subtilis ANSB01G culture as zearalenone (ZEA) biodegradation agent on oxidative stress, cell apoptosis and fecal ZEA residue in the first parity gestation sows during the gestation. A total of 80 first-parity gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 20 replications per treatment and one gilt per replicate. The dietary treatments were as follows: CO (positive control); MO (negative control, ZEA level at 246 μg/kg diet); COA (CO + B. subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2 × 109 CFU/kg diet); MOA (MO + ZEA level at 260 μg/kg diet + B. subtilis ANSB01G culture with 2 × 109 CFU/kg diet). The experiment lasted for the whole gestation period of sows. Results showed that feeding the diet naturally contaminated with low-dose ZEA caused an increase of cell apoptosis in organ and the residual ZEA in feces as well as a decrease of antioxidant function in serum. The addition of B. subtilis ANSB01G culture in the diets can effectively alleviate the status of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis induced by ZEA in diets of gestation sows, as well as decrease the content of residual ZEA in feces.

Effects of dietary inulin during late gestation on sow physiology, farrowing duration and piglet performance

In this study there was evaluation of effects of dietary inulin during late gestation on sow physiology, farrowing duration and piglet performance. At day 80 of gestation sows were randomly assigned to four groups：basal diet (CON); or basal diet with 0.8 %; 1.6 %; or 2.4 % inulin. The feeding of the diet with 1.6 % inulin resulted in larger weights of the litter at birth a shorter duration of the farrowing period, lesser average birth interval between piglets, lesser number of piglets dead at birth, and fewer piglets/sow dead at birth (P < 0.05). When sows were fed 0.8 % and 1.6 % IN, there was a larger litter weight at weaning, sow average daily feed intake and piglet average daily gain during lactation compared with values for these variables in the CON group (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was an increase in serum concentration of free fatty acid, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with increasing amounts of inulin in the diet (linear, P < 0.05). Sows fed 1.6 % IN had greater serum concentrations of glucose than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a linear increase in serum activity of total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase with increasing amounts of inulin in the diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results of the present study indicated feeding inulin during late gestation improved reproductive performance of sows, thus, may be a novel additive for the pig industry in improving efficiency of pork production.

Impact of dietary protein to energy ratio and two different energy levels fed during late gestation on plasma metabolites and colostrum production in sows

Factorial calculations indicate that energy requirement of sows in late gestation is relatively constant, while there is a marked increase in protein requirement. Thus, the objective was to investigate plasma nutrient metabolites and determine the yield and composition of colostrum in sows fed different energy levels and proportions of standardized ileal digestible protein relative to metabolizable energy for two weeks prior to parturition. A total of 28 sows were either fed a high energy level and a fixed protein supply (HE-FP); a high energy level with a daily increase in the proportion of protein (HE-IP); a low energy level and a fixed protein supply (LE-FP) or a low energy level with a daily increase in the proportion of protein (LE-IP) from day 101 in gestation to day 2 in lactation. Sows were fed combinations of: (1) a basic diet, formulated to match recommendations for gestating sows, and (2) a supplement diet, high in protein, to fulfill requirements for colostrum, mammary growth, fetuses, placenta and uterus. Blood was collected on day 105 and 112 of gestation by jugular vein venipuncture four hours after feeding. Colostrum was collected at 0, 12, and 24 h relative to birth of the first piglet. Colostrum yield was estimated based on piglets’ birth weight, weight gain, and the duration the individual piglet had access to the udder. A daily increase in the protein to energy ratio, increased plasma urea and glucose concentrations on day 112 of gestation in sows fed a low energy level (P < 0.05). A positive relationship between glucose and urea in plasma and the dietary protein to energy ratio was observed (P < 0.05). Colostrum fat concentration at 0 h tended to be greater in sows fed LE-IP than in sows fed LE-FP with HE-IP and HE-FP being intermediate (P = 0.06). Moreover, a positive relationship between plasma glucose on day 112 of gestation and colostrum fat at 0 h was observed (P = 0.01), suggesting that an increase in plasma glucose was used by the mammary gland for fat synthesis of the colostrum synthesized pre-partum. No evidence of impact of dietary energy or protein to energy ratio was found for sow colostrum yield (P > 0.10). In conclusion, except for sow BW gain, no direct effects of energy or protein supply on farrowing length, birth interval and litter gain were observed, whereas dietary protein to energy ratio influenced energy and protein metabolism and tended to increase colostrum fat synthesized pre-partum.

Integrated Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Network Reveals Different Regulatory Patterns in the Endometrium of Meishan and Duroc Sows during Mid-Late Gestation.

Simple SummaryMeishan pigs have a lower fetal loss rate during mid-late gestation compared to Duroc pigs. Differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs detected in endometrial tissue from Meishan and Duroc sows at mid-late gestation are involved in regulating hormone and oxygen levels, blood vessel development, and developmental processes affecting reproduction. In addition, ssc-miR-503 and ssc-miR-671-5p were shown to target the EGF and ESR1 genes, respectively. These findings provided an important resource for studying embryonic mortality during mid-late gestation in pigs.Embryo loss is a major factor affecting profitability in the pig industry. Embryonic mortality occurs during peri-implantation and mid-late gestation in pigs. Previous investigations have shown that the embryo loss rate in Meishan pigs is significantly lower than in commercial breeds. Most studies have focused on embryonic mortality during early gestation, but little is known about losses during mid-late gestation. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of endometrial tissue in mid-late gestation sows (gestation days 49 and 72) sampled from two breeds (Meishan (MS) and Duroc (DU)) that have different embryo loss rates. We identified 411, 1113, 697, and 327 differentially expressed genes, and 14, 36, 57, and 43 differentially expressed miRNAs in four comparisons (DU49 vs. DU72, DU49 vs. MS49, DU72 vs. MS72, and MS49 vs. MS72), respectively. Subsequently; seven differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were validated using qPCR. Functional analysis suggested the differentially expressed genes and miRNAs target genes mainly involved in regulation of hormone levels, blood vessel development, developmental process involved in reproduction, embryonic placenta development, and the immune system. A network analysis of potential miRNA-gene interactions revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs in Meishan pigs are involved in the response to estradiol and oxygen levels, and affect angiogenesis and blood vessel development. The binding site on ssc-miR-503 for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the binding site on ssc-miR-671-5p for estrogen receptor α (ESR1) were identified using a dual luciferase assay. The results of this study will enable further exploration of miRNA-mRNA interactions important in pig pregnancy and will help to uncover molecular mechanisms affecting embryonic mortality in pigs during mid-late gestation.