Higher Weaning Weights Research Articles

Maternal contact and positive human interactions during lactation impacts piglet performance and behaviour during lactation

IntroductionEarly life interactions with the sow or humans can have lifelong consequences on welfare and performance in pigs. It was hypothesised that piglets that received increased maternal contact and positive human contact would display improved responses to stressful events and improved performance.MethodsNinety-eight litters were allocated to a 2 x 2 factorial design for maternal contact (MC+)/restricted maternal contact (MC-); and positive human contact (HC+)/no additional human contact (HC-). Modified farrowing crates were used to restrict maternal contact (MC-) and litters in the HC+ treatment received five minutes of daily positive human interaction (stroking). Behavioural and physiological responses were assessed during processing at three days of age and during a behaviour test in which piglets were introduced to an empty arena, novel object, human hand and human standing in the arena at 18 days of age. Observations of behaviour in the home pen and growth and survival of piglets to weaning were also assessed.ResultsAt processing, MC- piglets had more squeals (P = 0.015), tended to have more grunts (P = 0.063) and struggle attempts (P = 0.079), and had increased plasma cortisol concentrations (P = 0.009) after processing than MC+ piglets. During the behaviour test, HC+ piglets were more active (P = 0.014) and had more vocalisations (P < 0.05) in the empty arena than HC piglets. Furthermore, HC+ piglets were more likely to approach a human standing in the arena (P = 0.006) than HC- piglets. MC- piglets were less active (P = 0.008) and were less likely to approach the novel object (P = 0.049) than MC+ piglets. MC+ piglets tended to have higher weaning weights (P = 0.055) and more MC+ piglets were successfully weaned (P = 0.022) than MC- piglets. There was no significant effect of HC on piglet performance.DiscussionWhile positive handling did not affect behavioural and physiological stress response to processing, HC+ reduced fear of novelty and humans. These findings highlight the importance of early life experiences has on stress resilience early in life.

The Effect of Dietary Suplementation with Curcuma Flour (Curcuma Zanthorrhiza) and Betaine on Mortality and Weaning Weight for Lactating Rabbits

The aim of this research was to know the effects of giving curcuma flour (Curcuma zanthorrhiza) and betaine in lactating rabbits on mortality and weight of weaning rabbits (weaned 2 months). The research was carried out in April – June 2021 at the Rabbit Livestock Production Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University. This study used 18 New Zealand White rabbits with an average weight of 1.5 kg. The experimental method was used with Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with consisted of three treatments and six repetitions. The treatments consisted of P0 = basal diet containing 0,8% curcuma flour, P1 = basal diet + betaine 0,05%, and P2 = basal diet + betaine 0.1%. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed that the addition of curcuma flour and betaine had a significant effect on the mortality rate and weaning weight of rabbits. The use of betaine 0.1% to the rabbit diet resulted in the lowest mortality rate (5.56%) and the higher weaning weight (1,164.85 grams).

The variation of IGF2 maker is associated with growth traits in Thai native (Kradon) pigs.

To investigate polymorphisms of the MC4R and IGF2 genes and to evaluate the growth traits affected by such polymorphisms in Thai native (Kradon) pigs. Blood samples and productive data from 91 Kradon pigs were collected. DNA was extracted and quantified, the IGF2 and MC4R genes were amplified, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) produces were digested using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Genotyping was performed, and the association between genotypes and growth traits on the birth and weaning weights were evaluated. The IGF2 intron7 g.162G>C variations in Kradon pigs were found in three genotypes: (1) GG, (2) GC, and (3) CC. The GG genotype frequency was the highest followed by the GC and CC genotypes. The frequencies of the G and C alleles were 0.703 and 0.297, respectively. The MC4R genotype was found in only one genotype (GG). The IGF2 gene pattern was not associated with birth weight traits, whereas the IGF2 gene pattern was related to the weaning weight trait in Kradon pigs. Pigs with the CC and GC genotypes had higher weaning weights than ones with the GG genotype (p < 0.001). Thai native Kradon pigs with the CC and GC genotypes of the IGF2 gene have higher weaning weights than pigs with the GG genotype.

Evaluation of Nguni cattle performance from communal property associations and private ownership types across three ecological zones of Mpumalanga province, South Africa

Nguni cattle in South Africa are diminishing at the expense of exotic breeds and crossbreeds. Therefore, the Industrial Development Corporation and Mpumalanga Province Department of Agriculture adopted the Nguni cattle conservation project. Herds of 30 heifers and a bull were allocated to 34 communal property associations (CPAs) and 40 private farms. This study aimed to evaluate growth and reproductive performance across three ecological zones and two ownership patterns. Nine CPAs and nine private farms were sampled. Age at first calving, conception, calving, and weaning rates were determined from production records, while calf birth and weaning weights were digitally measured. Data was analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) used for mean separation. Significant differences were observed across ecological zones for age at first calving, weaning rate, and birth and weaning weights (p &lt; 0.05). Concerning age at first calving, the Midveld ecological zone performed best (24 months) for both ownership types compared to the Highveld (28.09 months private, 26.00 CPA) and Lowveld (28.35 months for both ownership types). Highveld performed higher on birth weight (25.35 kg) and weaning rate for private (93%) and CPA (80%). Lower birth weights were observed in both ownership types in Midveld (22.17 kg). The Lowveld zone had a higher birth weight (26.80 kg) in CPA. Higher weaning weights were observed in private ownership of Highveld (190.16 kg) and the lowest (160.39 kg) in the Midveld zone. CPAs in Highveld had higher weaning weights (187.55kg) than in Midveld (167.50 kg). The results suggest that Nguni cattle respond differently in the various ecological zones of Mpumalanga Province.

Postweaning growth and feeding behaviour in pigs: effect of heavier hybrid and weaning intact litters in farrowing pens for loose-housed sows

Abrupt weaning of four-week-old pigs is associated with multiple stressors. Housing pigs in intact litters is a way to reduce the stress associated with moving and mixing of unfamiliar pigs. Furthermore, higher weaning weight may improve pigs’ robustness against postweaning stressors. In the present study, it was investigated whether: (1) A heavier pig hybrid, and (2) weaning intact litters in the farrowing pen for loose-housed sows could increase postweaning feeding behaviour and growth. Two sow hybrids (DanBred LY (DB) and Topigs Norsvin TN70 (TN)) and two weaning strategies (the litter stayed intact in the farrowing pen after removing the sow (STAY), or two litters were moved and mixed in conventional weaner pens (MOVE)) were compared in a 2 × 2 factorial design. In total, 57 litters from four batches were included in the study. The TN hybrid sows gave birth to heavier piglets but smaller litter sizes and had more functional teats than DB sows. At weaning, TN pigs were heavier than DB. The number of feed trough (FT) visits on the day before weaning was low in both hybrids. On the day after weaning, the number of FT visits was higher in MOVE compared to STAY, and in TN-STAY compared to DB-STAY. The average daily gain the first two days postweaning was negative in both hybrids and weaning strategies but more pronounced in DB than TN, and STAY tended to lose more weight than MOVE. Over the entire 28-day postweaning period, there was an interaction between hybrid and weaning strategy in that TN-STAY (392 g/d) had higher growth than both TN-MOVE (251 g/d) and DB-MOVE (283 g/d), whereas growth of DB-STAY (316 g/d) was intermediate. In addition, higher weaning weight was associated with a lower number of FT visits and greater weight loss the first two days postweaning but higher growth over the 28-day postweaning period. The results show that abrupt weaning at four weeks of age causes weight loss the first days postweaning despite being housedas intact litters, most likely due to low feed consumption. However, the combination of a heavier pig hybrid and housing intact litters in the farrowing pen postweaning resulted in a higher growth performance over the 28-day postweaning period. In conclusion, pigs that are heavier at weaning reach better growth performance in the longer term, despite having the largest acute postweaning growth depression and fewest FT visits on the day before and after weaning.

Effect of supplementation with algae β-glucans on performance, health, and blood metabolites of Holstein dairy calves.

Studies have shown that β-glucans extracted from the cell wall of cereals, algae, and yeasts have been associated with improved immune function. However, it is unknown whether algae β-glucan supplementation affects the performance, blood metabolites, or cell counts of immune cells in dairy calves. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate whether supplementation of β-glucans to milk replacer in dairy calves fed 6 L/d improved growth performance and fecal status and altered the blood metabolite profile. In this trial, we enrolled Holstein calves (n = 34) at birth (body weight 36.38 ± 1.33 kg; mean ± standard deviation) to receive, from 1 d of age, either 2 g/d algae β-glucans mixed into 6 L/d of milk replacer (22.4% crude protein and 16.2% fat) or an unsupplemented milk replacer (control). The calves were blocked in pairs according to birth weight, sex, and date of birth (up to 5 d difference). Calves were housed individually, and calf starter (24.7% crude protein and 13.9% neutral detergent fiber) was offered ad libitum based on orts of the previous day until 56 d of age (end of the trial). Body weight was measured weekly, and health checks and daily fecal consistency were evaluated daily in every calf by the same observer. Calves with 2 consecutive days of loose feces that sifted through bedding were considered diarrhea positive. We used a linear mixed effects model to evaluate the effects of β-glucan supplementation fed during the preweaning period on performance (average daily gain), final weight, feed efficiency (FE), white blood cell count, and selected blood metabolites, repeated by time. A generalized linear mixed effects model was also run to evaluate the likelihood of a diarrhea bout in the first 28 d of life, controlling for the calf as the subject with a logistic distribution. We included age, serum total protein at 48 h, and birth weight as covariates. At 56 d, β-glucan-supplemented calves weighed more than control calves (56.3 vs. 51.5 kg). Treatment had no effect on total starter intake, but there was a treatment by age interaction for FE, with greater FE for β-glucan-supplemented calves in wk 3 and 5 of age. There was only a tendency for average daily gain to be greater in supplemented calves than in control calves for the duration of the study. Furthermore, control calves had 14.66 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 9.87-21.77] times greater odds of having a diarrheal bout than β-glucan-supplemented calves. Control calves had 12.70 (95% CI: 8.82-18.28) times greater odds of having an additional day with an abnormal fecal score compared with β-glucan-supplemented calves, suggesting that supplementation ameliorated diarrhea severity. We found no association of treatment with concentrations of serum total protein, albumin, creatinine, or glucose during the preweaning period. Our findings suggest that dietary supplementation of 2 g/d of algae β-glucans to milk replacer improved fecal status and may affect growth, as evidenced by a higher weaning weight, compared with control calves. Future studies should explore the effect of algae β-glucans on lower-gut physiology and digestibility in dairy calves.

Different Nutritional Systems at Suckling and Finishing Phases of Lambs Grazing on Tropical Pasture

The objective of the study was to evaluate the lambs' performance in the suckling and finishing phases in different nutritional systems. The study was carried out in two phases: suckling (from birth to weaning) and finishing (from weaning to slaughter). Each phase was evaluated in two experimental periods (characterized by year). The suckling phase used 76 lambs divided into two groups: control (without supplementation) and creep feeding (with creep feeder supplementation of 20 g/kg of body weight). The lambs were distributed in the treatments according to sex and type of delivery (single or twin). The finishing phase was characterized from weaning to slaughter. Sixty-two lambs were used, 28 females and 34 males, average age of 85 days and an average weight of 19 kg, and the animals were distributed in treatments according to weight and sex. Five treatments were evaluated, animals in Brachiaria spp. receiving increasing levels of supplementation (0%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% of BW) and confinement as a positive performance control. The creep feeding treatment presented superior performance with an average daily gain of 64.85 g more than the control treatment, which anticipated the shorter age at weaning with higher weaning weight (weaning in 64 days for supplemented lambs and 77 days for animals without supplementation). In the finishing phases, the lambs of the treatments 1.6%BW and 2.4%BW presented average daily gain similar to the confined animals and higher (p<0.05) than the treatments 0.8%BW and 0%BW. We recommend that ad libitum supplementation of creep feeding during the suckling phase is a nutritional strategy to wean heavier lambs and consequently reduce time in the finishing phase. For fattening the lambs, we recommend the inclusion of protein-energy supplementation of 1.6% BW for lambs produced in the tropical pasture.

The Influence of Dietary Gallic Acid on Growth Performance and Plasma Antioxidant Status of High and Low Weaning Weight Piglets.

Simple SummaryGallic acid (GA) has been demonstrated to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and health-promoting properties. In pigs, GA supplementation has been shown to decrease di-arrhea incidence of weaned piglets and improve their intestinal integrity. The present experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that growth performance and diarrhea after weaning could be improved by supplementing the diet with 400 mg/kg GA to weaned piglets, especially for low weaning weight piglets.This study evaluated the effects of dietary gallic acid (GA) on growth performance, diarrhea incidence and plasma antioxidant status of weaned piglets regardless of whether weaning weight was high or low. A total of 120 weaned piglets were randomly allocated to four treatments in a 42-day experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement comparing different weaning weights (high weight (HW) or low weight (LW), 8.49 ± 0.18 kg vs. 5.45 ± 0.13 kg) and dietary treatment (without supplementation (CT) or with supplementation of 400 mg/kg of GA). The results showed that HW piglets exhibited better growth performance and plasma antioxidant capacity. Piglets supplemented with GA had higher body weight (BW) on day 42 and average daily gain (ADG) from day 0 to 42 compared to the control piglets, which is mainly attributed to the specific improvement on BW and ADG of LW piglets by the supplementation of GA. The decreased values of diarrhea incidence were seen in piglets fed GA, more particularly in LW piglets. In addition, dietary GA numerically reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in plasma of LW piglets. In conclusion, our study suggests that dietary GA may especially improve the growth and health in LW weaned piglets.

Reproductive performance of indigenous Lao pigs reared by small-scale farmers in northern provinces of Laos.

Indigenous pigs are essential domestic animals for rural life and meat supply in Laos, especially for ethnic people in remote areas. Northern provinces have the most numerous indigenous pig populations, i.e. covering 84 % of the total pig population. This study was conducted in northern Laos, where 164 pig-raising households, 325 sows and 1246 piglets were included. The study aimed to observe the general trend of change in indigenous pig utilization and the altered reproductive performance regarding village location and rearing systems. The semi-structured questionnaires were a key tool for gathering data required through personal interviews and field observations. Two types of indigenous Lao pig breeds (locally named Moo Lath and Moo Hmong) were found in study areas. The village locations were not influencing on reproductive performance of indigenous Lao pigs. Larger litter size and birth weight (–0.000) was found in the second cluster (15 to 30 km away from downtown) with an average of 8.24 heads and 0.88 kg, while the first ( km) and third ( km) clusters had 7.72 versus 7.12 heads, and 0.70 versus 0.63 kg, respectively. Conversely, the second cluster had lower litter per year () by 1.04, compared to 1.38 for the first and third clusters. The free-scavenging rearing system (FRS) had a higher litter size (8.5) than the confinement (CRS) and semi-scavenge (SRS) rearing system (7.36 versus 7.54). The FRS had a marginally smaller litter per year (0.87) that differed from the CRS and SRS (1.45 and 1.41). The CRS had a shorter suckling period (2.38 months) with a lower weaning weight (6.74 kg), while the FRS and SRS had longer (2.72 versus 2.8 months) and higher weaning weight (7.76 and 7.57 kg). The mortality before weaning was 15 %, and no difference was found related to the villages' location or rearing systems ( versus 0.839). Around 56 % of the piglet's deaths were due to poor management that caused piglets to be crushed/injured by sow or starvation. More than 54 % of farmers did not keep sows in pens before the farrowing, and 53 % of sows gave birth near forests. In conclusion, the village locations and rearing systems did not influence the reproductive performance of indigenous pigs in northern Laos. However, pre- and post-farrowing management had a strong effect on it. During the whole study, we took into consideration the successful example of Hungarian Mangalica pig, which could find a proper new role in the global premium markets. Our results suggest that similar complex semi-intensive farm operations as indigenous Mangalica pig farms in Hungary should be a great option for introducing and adapting to improve indigenous pig performance in Laos.

Effect of early shearing during gestation on the performance of the progenie

Research has shown the interesting contributions of shearing during mid or late gestation on the performance of lambs from birth to weaning. However, there is no information on the effects of shearing in the first third of pregnancy, on the well-being and productivity of the offspring in adult life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether shearing during the first third of gestation, in a critical time window for the development of the placenta and the fetus, can influence the live weight at parturition, weaning and the survival of the lambs. Additionally, it was studied whether shearing in the first third of gestation is capable of programming metabolic and physiological modifications in the fetus that affect the growth, health and reproductive performance in the adult life of the offspring. Shearing in the first third of gestation significantly increased birth weight of single lambs (P = 0.004) and twins (P = 0.05). The higher weaning weight (P &lt; 0.0001) was related to the higher daily live weight gain (P ˂ 0.0001) in birth-weaning period. The extension of the gestation period (P &lt; 0.0001) explained only 56% and 87% (single and twins) of the increase in total live weight at lambing. Twin lambs from prepartum shorn ewes attempted (P = 0.004) and succeeded in suckling earlier (P = 0.0004) than control lambs. The greater vigor at lambing, together with the greater weight at weaning, may explain the higher (P = 0.04) survival rate. Early prepartum shearing did not affect live weight of ewe lambs from weaning to 18 months old. However, the gastrointestinal parasite egg counts per gram of fecal matter (P = 0.07), as well as the Famacha index (P = 0.02) were significantly lower than in controls. Prepartum shearing affected live weight of male lambs (P = 0.02), although there were no differences in the response to the parasitic challenge. Prepartum shearing did not affect any of the reproductive variables studied in ewes and male lambs. The results of this thesis show that shearing in the first third of gestation is a technique capable of affecting the productive performance of the offspring in the short and long term.

COMPARATIVE GROWTH AND CARCASS PERFORMANCE OF PROGENIES SIRED BY PUREBRED LARGE WHITE AND HAMPSHIRE BOARS AND THEIR CROSSES WITH THE NIGERIAN LOCAL BREED

THE performance of progenies sired by purebred Large White and Hampshire boars and their crosses with Nigerian local breed — the Large White x Local and Hampshire x Local boars was compared from birth to slaughter at 60kg liveweight using 4 boards each of the different breeds and crosses. 4 boars from each of 16 litters sired per breed compris­ing 4 dams mated per sire were evaluated. Feeding was twice daily up to a maximum of 2.00kg meal per day. Among the boar genotypes, significant differences in performance between progeny was found for the backfat thickness (P 0.01). Carcass length and average daily gain (P 0.05). The progenies of the Hampshire boar were 0.61kg heavier than those of the crossbred boar at birth, had higher weaning weight (2kg heavier) and a significantly different (P 0.05) average daily gain to slaughter. The progenies of purebred boars were 4.04 and 6.89 days earlier to slaughter, had 1.4 and 1.5% higher carcass yield but 1.9 — 3.44mm higher back-fat than the progenies from corresponding crossbred boars. Significant breed differences were noted in the prime cuts of the carcasses.

Farklı Yaşlarda Sütten Kesimin Prolifik ve Terminal Irk Melez Kuzuların Büyüme Özellikleri ve Yaşama Güçleri Üzerine Etkisi

Bu çalışmada, farklı yaşlarda sütten kesilen Romanov × Morkaraman (F1 Rom), Romanov × F1 Romanov (G1 Rom) ve Charollais × F1 Romanov (Charom) melez kuzularının büyüme ve yaşama gücü özellikleri karşılaştırılmıştır. Doğumdan sonra üç genotipten kuzular 50 ve 75 günlük iki ayrı yaşta sütten kesilmiş ve sütten kesim sonrası büyüme performansları 120 günlük yaşa kadar incelenmiştir. Doğum ağırlığına, üç ayrı genotip ve doğum şeklinin etkisi çok önemli, cinsiyetin etkisi önemsiz bulunmuştur. Sütten kesim ağırlığında ise sadece doğum şeklinin etkisi önemli bulunmuştur. Kuzu doğum ve sütten kesim ağırlıkları Charom, F1 Rom, G1 Rom kuzularında sırasıyla 3,38-15,28; 3,98-15,04; 3,21-15,55 kg tespit edilmiştir. Doğum şekli kuzu doğum ağırlıkları bakımından varyasyon göstermiş ve doğumda yavru sayısı arttıkça kuzu doğum ağırlıklarında (Tekiz: 4,19 kg; İkiz: 3,42 kg; Üçüz: 3,15 kg ve Dördüz: 2,88 kg) düşüş gözlenmiştir. Doğum şeklinin sütten kesim ağırlıklarına etkisi ise tekiz ve üçüzlerde benzer bulunmuştur. Tekiz doğan kuzular ikiz ve dördüz doğanlardan daha yüksek sütten kesim ağırlığına ulaşmışlardır. Sütten kesime kadar günlük canlı ağırlık arıtışı (G.C.A.A) tekiz doğan kuzularda 247,37 gr ile ikiz (190,67 gr), üçüz (201,44 gr) ve dördüz (178,57 gr) doğanlardan daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Sütten kesim yaşının sütten kesim ağırlıklarına etkisi önemsiz bulunmuştur. Sütten kesim sonrası ilk ay ağırlığına kuzu genotipi, doğum şekli ve cinsiyetin etkisi önemsiz iken, sütten kesim yaşının sütten kesim ve sütten kesim sonrası ilk aya kadar G.C.A.A‘na etkisi önemli bulunmuştur. Geç sütten kesilen kuzular, daha yüksek sonraki ilk ay canlı ağırlık (18,62-17,89 kg) ve G.C.A.A (179,45-81,32 g ) sahip olmuşlardır. Kuzuların 120. gün canlı ağırlıkları benzer bulunmuştur ve incelenen faktörlerden hiç birisinin etkisine rastlanmamıştır.

Platform Based Housing System Improved Health and Reduced Mortality Percentage of Goats in Flood Prone Area of Coastal Odisha

Goat rearing under semi intensive farming conditions is characterized by high kid mortality and low weaning weight percentages. The root cause which needs to be addressed for various diseases and parasites leading to low body weight gain and kid mortality is improper housing practises. The welfare of Black Bengal goats as a source of sustainable livelihood is a burning issue since the beginning thus the researchers for so many years have tried to assess ideal housing system for these goats in context to their geographical climate to optimize their production and welfare, still the reports are scarce in this arena. The experimental platform based goat housing system was constructed for 20 farmers with an average flock size of 16 goats in flood ridden Dasmankula village of Marsaghai block Kendrapara district where various families adopted traditional practises of goat farming for sustainable livelihood. This is the first report from Odisha in context of housing pattern of Black Bengal goats where it was observed that a change in housing practise along with proper vaccination schedule led to significant decrease in mortality percentage of goats. The results showed that the body weight increased linearly as the age advanced and the body weight of adult goats at 10 months of age at platform based housing was 9.82 ± 0.74 and 9.12 ± 0.53 as compared to 8.78 ± 0.68 and 7.82 ± 0.42 in mud and slotted floor in males and females, respectively. The platform raised housing system was effective in decreasing gastrointestinal parasite load and thus early recovery from disease incidence as Contagious Echthyma (ORF). Mortality percentage of goat was significantly reduced after adopting the platform based housing system along with proper vaccination schedule due to establishment of better immune system which was directly proportional to decreased parasitic load in this experimental housing system. However, impact on change in body weight was not significant in kids but somewhat noticeable in case of adults which proved to be a great boon for the goat farmers of Dasmankula village.

Effect of dietary probiotics supplementation on intake and production performance of ewes fed Atriplex hay-based diet

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotics on intake, performance, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of Barki ewes fed Atriplex hay based diet. Thirty pregnant Barki ewes with an average initial body weight (BW) of 45.5 ± 0.98 kg, were blocked according to lambing date and BW into three experimental groups. The treatments were: (1) control diet, (2) control diet + 2 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2 × 1010 CFU) per day and (3) control diet + 2 g Bacillus subtilis (1.0 × 1011 CFU/kg) and Lactobacillus casei (1 × 1010 CFU/kg) per day. Probiotics inclusion increased dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber intakes (P < 0.05) but did not affect body weight, milk yield, milk composition or efficiency (milk/dry matter intake). The bacteria diet increased average daily weight gain of lambs (P < 0.05) compared to the yeast and control diets. Compared with the control, the probiotic diets increased (P < 0.05) ruminal ammonia-N concentration. The pH and total volatile fatty acids concentration were not influenced by probiotic supplementation. Blood urea nitrogen was increased (P < 0.05) and total lipids and triglycerides were decreased (P < 0.05) with probiotics supplementation. All the other blood parameters were not affected. The present study demonstrated that supplementing ewes fed Atriplex hay based diets with probiotic bacteria resulted in higher weaning weight, average daily weight gain and improved health status in lambs.

Estimation of breed and heterosis effects for cow productivity, carcass traits and income in beef × beef and dairy × beef crosses in commercial suckler cow production

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate calving difficulties, birth-, weaning- and carcass weight, herd life of cow, age at slaughter, average daily carcass gain, carcass conformation, carcass fatness and carcass income per carcass, kg or day, in Aberdeen Angus (A), Hereford (H), Charolais (C), Limousin (L), Simmental (S), Norwegian red (N) and their crosses, in order to evaluate crossbreeding strategies. Direct and maternal breed additive and heterosis effects and predicted phenotypic means were estimated with multiple regression using SAS. Crosses with N resulted in higher weaning weight and less calving difficulties than beef purebreds. Due to favourable maternal additive effects of N on carcass weight and -income, crosses with British breeds had higher performance than the purebreds. (A × C) × C had overall high performance due to beneficial maternal heterosis effects on calving difficulties and carcass weight. In conclusion, utilising profitable heterosis effects have potential in commercial production, but are dependent on production systems.

128 Relationship between anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and reproductive traits in ewes

Abstract Objective was to determine correlations between serum AMH and reproductive traits in ewes. Blood was collected at breeding from Katahdin ewes between 0.7 and 9 yr age in 2015 (n = 158) and 2017 (n = 233) for the analysis of serum AMH concentrations using different immunoassays (Equine and Ovine AMH in 2015 and Ovine AMH in 2017; AnshLab). Relationships between AMH and first exposure pregnancy rate (PR) to spring or fall breeding, number of lambs born to first lambing, age at first lambing (using lifetime records), and estimated breeding values (EBVs) for number of lambs born (NLB), number of lambs weaned (NLW), maternal weaning weight (MWT), weaning weight (WWT), and maternal index were determined. Correlations were determined using PROC CORR (SAS), and PROC GLM used with AMH or AMH quartile as dependent or independent variables, and season in models. Serum AMH or quartiles did not correlate with any reproductive trait. In 2017 but not 2015, AMH concentrations (P = 0.02) and quartiles (P = 0.04) were greater in ewes that became pregnant than nonpregnant ewes to first breeding. Ewes that were pregnant at a younger age had a higher WWT (P = 0.002), NLW (P = 0.04) and Index (P = 0.02), and more prolific ewes at first lambing had a higher NLB (P &lt; 0.001), NLW (P &lt; 0.001), and Index (P &lt; 0.001), regardless of season of first breeding. Mean PR was -4.6 ± 3.8% and 68.4 ± 3.8% for spring and fall breeding (P &lt; 0.001), resulting in older spring compared with fall bred ewes at first lambing (2.04 ± 0.08 vs. 1.52 ± 0.05 yr, P &lt; 0.001). While AMH did not appear to consistently predict fertility in ewes, higher EBVs (NLB, NLW, Index) were associated with younger ewes and greater prolificacy at first lambing.

Dietary iron chelate for sows and effects on iron supplementation in piglets.

In order to evaluate iron chelate in diets for sows during gestation and lactation and its effects on iron supplementation for piglets, a total of 50 pregnant sows in the third parity order were distributed according to a randomized block design with two treatments: diet without iron chelate supplementation (n=20); diet supplemented with 0.15% of iron chelate (n=30). The litters of sows were distributed into five different treatments: sows without iron chelate supplementation and piglets receiving intramuscular iron-dextran; sows without iron chelate supplementation and piglets receiving oral iron supplementation; sows supplemented with iron chelate and piglets receiving intramuscular iron-dextran; sows supplemented with iron chelate and piglets receiving oral iron supplementation; sows supplemented with iron chelate and piglets without iron supplementation. No influence of dietary supplementation of iron chelate was verified on the productive parameters of the sows. For the piglets, iron-dextran supplementation promoted higher weaning weight in comparison to non-supplemented piglets, although not differing to those received oral iron supplementation. Thus, iron chelate supplementation did not improve the productive parameters of sows, but it increased iron excretion in the feces, thus requiring iron supplementation for the piglets after birth.

Simulated disease process during late pregnancy compromises developmental outcomes of lambs independently of the weaning method applied

Stress during pregnancy negatively affects fetal development, and artificial weaning can negatively affect animal health and welfare; however, maternal care can reverse the possible consequences of stress on the offspring. Our study aims to determine the combined effect of a prenatal disease challenge and artificial weaning on welfare and productive performance of lambs. During pregnancy, 43 ewes were distributed into three experimental groups, and at 70th and 120th days of pregnancy (Ig;n=14; Fg=14;), the ewes were administered with Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Fifteen ewes were included in the control group (Cg=15). Cortisol and rectal temperature measurements were done subsequently to LPS or saline injection. Fourty-six lambs (21 males; 25 females) born in a six-day interval from Ig, Fg, and Cg ewes were subjected to two types of weaning, namely progressive (from 39 to 45days) and abrupt (at 45days of age). Lamb data, including plasma cortisol levels, rectal temperature, weaning weight, and performance in feedlot were analyzed and compared through F test and Student's t-test (PDIFF; P=0.05). The injection of LPS resulted in a 619% increase in cortisol levels after two hours, and rectal temperature reached 39.48±0.134°C after four hours of LPS administration in a pregnant sheep. Both male and female lambs from the Fg group had lower birth weight (P<0.05) as compared to other groups. Cortisol levels and rectal temperature decreased during progressive weaning (P<0.05), in which a higher weaning weight was observed than in abrupt weaning (P<0.05). On the first day at feedlot, cortisol level was reduced after 60min upon entrance (P <0.05), and higher cortisol values were observed during abrupt weaning (P <0.05). Lower values of dry mater intake and average daily gain were observed for Fg males (P<0.05). LPS challenge during late pregnancy compromised the lambs’ indicators of productive performance. Albeit progressive weaning was less stressful during feedlot entrance and total bond separation, more days of maternal care during weaning had no relation with stress during pregnancy.

Maternal betaine supplementation in rats induces intergenerational changes in hepatic IGF-1 expression and DNA methylation.

Betaine is widely used in animal nutrition to promote growth. Here, we aimed to investigate whether maternal betaine supplementation during pregnancy can exert multigenerational effects on growth across two generations and the possible epigenetic modifications associated to such effects. In this study, 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diet supplemented with 1% betaine throughout the pregnancy and lactation. Betaine-supplemented dams produced bigger litter but smaller F1 pups at birth and weaning. However, F2 pubs had higher weaning weight. In accordance with the growth performance, serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were significantly lower in F1 yet higher in F2 pups, so was hepatic IGF-1 mRNA expression. Concurrently, dietary betaine supplementation to F0 dams increased hepatic expression of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase, at both mRNA and protein levels, in F1, but not F2 pups. Moreover, hepatic IGF-1 gene promoter 1 was detected to be significantly hypermethylated in F1 pups, whereas both promoters 1 and 2, together with almost all exons, were found to be hypomethylated in F2 offspring. Maternal betaine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation exerts distinct effects on growth of F1 and F2 rat offspring, probably through differential modification of IGF-1 gene methylation and expression in liver.

Examining the impacts of red deer hind body condition score and pasture forage mass on calf weaning weight

The effect of pre-calving hind body condition and the interaction with pasture forage mass during lactation on calf growth and intake to weaning were investigated. Two-hundred and forty red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus scoticus × hippelaphus) of average body condition score (BCS) 3.5 were subjected to either ad libitum or restricted feeding for the 4 weeks before the expected start of calving (31 October) to create hinds of low (2.5) or high (3.5) BCS. The hinds were then grazed continuously on pasture of either low (&lt;1200 kg DM/ha) or high (&gt;2400 kg DM/ha) forage mass during lactation (29 October–25 March). In a 2 × 2 crossover design liveweight, liveweight gain and pasture intake were measured in both hinds and calves. Low hind body condition score (BCS 2.5) at the onset of lactation resulted in low calf weaning weight (46.9 kg) when forage mass was low, but not when forage mass was high (57.3 kg). High BCS (3.5) in hinds resulted in intermediate calf weaning weight when on low forage mass (51.2 kg) and high calf weaning weight when forage mass was high (56.6 kg). Both BCS and forage mass influenced calculated total milk production.