Non-pregnant Sows Research Articles

Distribution of Spermatozoa and Embryos in the Female Reproductive Tract after Unilateral Deep Intra Uterine Insemination in the Pig

Distribution of Spermatozoa and Embryos in the Female Reproductive Tract after Unilateral Deep Intra Uterine Insemination in the Pig

Establishment of the Porcine Epitheliochorial Placenta Is Associated with Endometrial T‐Cell Recruitment

We assessed implantation-associated quantitative changes in peripheral blood and endometrial T lymphocytes throughout epitheliochorial placenta formation. T-cell subsets were investigated in 10-, 15-, 20-, 30-, and 40-day pregnant and non-pregnant sows by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Endometrial total T, T cytotoxic (Tc), and T helper (Th) cells were in peak numbers at the attachment phase of implantation and Tc cells persisted in high proportions up to placental establishment. The number of gammadelta T lymphocytes was relatively small and implantation-independent. In situ, T cells increased in number with the advancement of implantation and formed T-cell clusters with implantation phase-dependent location. Percentages of peripheral blood T cells were not significantly changed throughout the implantation. Superficial and adeciduate implantation of pigs has a profound effect on the number of total T, Tc, and Th cells and pattern of distribution of endometrial T cells in situ.

Morphometric changes following pregnancy in large white sows

A study was conducted to ascertain the morphometric changes that occur following pregnancy in sows. Eight large white sows of about 18 months of age were used for the study. They were divided into two groups with each group consisting of four animals and each animal serving as a replicate. Group A was mated while group B was not. The data collected included body weight, abdominal circumference/diameter, length of front, middle and back teats, vulva circumference and length of the vulva. Data collection was at weekly intervals and the study lasted for 15 weeks. The results of the investigation showed significant changes in body weight, abdominal diameter, length of the different sections of the teat and circumference of the vulva of pregnant and non-pregnant sows. On the other hand the length of vulva in the pregnant and non-pregnant sows were not significantly different. Keywords: Pig; sow; pregnancy; large white Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2 (3) 2006: pp 189-193

118 DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A TIME-RESOLVED FLUORESCENCE IMMUNOASSAY FOR ESTRONE-1-SULFATE IN URINE AS A TOOL FOR DIAGNOSIS OF EARLY PREGNANCY IN SWINE

Early identification of pregnancy or non-pregnancy in sows is considered very important, as the management of sows during the post service period is crucial if the breeding efficiency of a herd is to be maximized. Studies of steroid hormones in pregnant sows showed that there was a significant increase in plasma estrone-1-sulfate concentration by the 16th day of gestation, which reaches peak values between Days 23 and 30 of gestation. Since plasma estrone-1-sulfate concentrations are high between Days 23 and 30 of pregnancy, its determination has been used as a means for early pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring fertility in sows. However, the application of the method in pig farms on a routine basis remains restricted because blood sampling is difficult and disturbs the animals. The present study describes the development of a simple and reliable time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TR-FIA) method for the estimation of estrone-1-sulfate in swine urine, which was assessed as a means for early diagnosis of pregnancy and monitoring fertility in sows. We demonstrated cross activity between Anti-estrone-1-glucuronide antibody (Clone 155) and estrone-1-sulfate. The method is based on a direct competitive heterogeneous immunoassay by the typical procedure of competitive immunocomplex formation. For detection of estrone-1-sulfate, anti-estrone-1-glucuronide antibody (Clone 155) was first coated on polystyrene microplates, and estrone-1-sulfate was captured by the primary antibody with estrone-1-glucuronide labeled with europium. The immunocomplex was subsequently dissociated by the enhancement solution containing Triton X-100, acetic acid, and chelators. The free europium was detection by DELFIA 1420 detector (Perkin-Elmer Life Sciences, Waltham, MA, USA). The fluorescence intensity of free europium at 613 nm was proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of estron-1-sulfate in a dynamic range of 0.078~10 ng mL–1. Intra-assay variation for estrone-1-sulfate was 4%. The limit of quantification was 100 pg mL–1. The mean estrone-1-sulfate concentration was significantly higher in pregnant sows (15.6 � 5.3 ng mL–1) than in non-pregnant sows and in sows in estrus (0.74 � 0.44 ng mL–1). Taking the concentration of 20 pg mL–1 as a cut-off, all cases of non-pregnant sows and sows in estrus were negative. Urine estrone-1-sulfate concentrations in pregnant sows at 23-day intervals post-service were 14~16 ng mL–1. According to the results of our field trial, urine estrone-1-sulfate concentrations are very low during estrus and remain low in non-pregnant sows at different stages of the estrous cycle, whereas the concentration increases significantly during specific stages of pregnancy at 23-day intervals. It is concluded that the satisfactory sensitivity of the present assay in combination with the good correlation for pregnancy from the present field trial makes this method a very useful technique for early pregnancy diagnosis in swine; the simplicity of urine sampling makes also it suitable for practical use.

Seroprevalence of the PRRS syndrome in swine.

Researches were conducted in 5 swine farms in western Romania in order to detect the antibodies against PRRS virus swine sera in sows an d young swine. The seroprevalence of the PRRS syndrome in the above-mentioned farms has been established by serum tests sampled from young swine - 3 months of age - and from pregnant and non-pregnant sows during 6month period. The detection of antibodies against P RRS virus was performed by an enzymelinked immunoabsorbent assay kit. To confirm the PRRS syndrome there were conducted epidemiologic, clinical, anatomic-pathological and virological tests. The serological test established the seroprevalence of the PRRS syndrome by cross investigations performed at 6-month intervals for e ach of the 5 swine farms included in the study. In young swine the average of seroprevalence for bo th sampling was high, 60.27% and 72.22%, respectively, fact that indicates the prese nce of the PRRS syndrome in 4 farms. High values of seroprevalence confirm the extension of t his syndrome to young swine existing in such farms, and such values can be compared to the ones from the literature (1, 2). In swine for reproduction the average of seropreval ence was 38.3% and 62.5%. The serological control of the PRRS syndrome, conducted in cross-manner, at 6-months interval proved the existence of the seroconversion phenomenon, which, in turn proves active infection with the PRRS virus in the swine lots (1, 2). The PRRS syndrome has been confirmed by the above-mentioned tests. The seroprevalence of the PRRS syndrome evolved in dynamics proving the existence of active infections in young swine and swine, fact that matches the respiratory and genital location. The serological test performed by the imm unoabsorbent assay may be used as epidemic surveillance in cross investigations of th e PRRS syndrome in swine for reproduction and young swine for reproduction, as well.

The expression patterns of mRNA-encoding stem cell factor, internal stem cell factor and c-kit in the prepubertal and adult porcine ovary.

The receptor, c-kit, and its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), are important regulators of ovarian follicle growth and development. The aim of this study was to identify the sites of expression of mRNA for c-kit and SCF in prepubertal and mature (pregnant and non-pregnant) animals. Ovaries were recovered from prepubertal animals, non-pregnant sows and five sows at approximately 3 months of gestation. Ovine SCF and c-kit DNA were cloned into plasmid vectors to produce RNA probes. Expression of mRNA encoding SCF and c-kit were detected via in situ hybridization. Both mRNA were detected throughout ovaries from all animals. This study provides evidence that the growth-factor complex is required throughout follicle development, and also for continued maintenance of the corpus luteum (CL) in the mature animal. SCF mRNA was localized to the granulosa cell layer and was also extensively expressed in endothelial tissue and throughout the CL. c-kit mRNA was detected in the theca layer, oocytes and also in CL. In conclusion, expression of SCF and c-kit mRNA in granulosa and theca cells, respectively, indicate an important interaction between somatic cells throughout follicle development and that in the mature animal, SCF and c-kit potentially have a role in maintaining progesterone secretion by the CL. The observations of continued expression of SCF and c-kit throughout development suggest that there may be differences in the role of this receptor-ligand complex between large mono- vs. poly ovulatory species, such as the pig.

Auswirkungen der Puerperalerkrankungen bei Sauen auf die Fruchtbarkeitsleistung

Abstract. Title of the paper: Investigations on the effects of puerperal diseases in sows on the fertility Investigations with a total number of 1403 farrowings in one farm during 8 years have shown a frequency of puerperal diseases (MMA = mastitits, metritis, agalactiae) of 31.6 % with significant differences between gilts (41.2 %) and sows (27.9 %; p < .05). Gilts and sows without MMA after farrowing had a lower frequency of animals without estrus after weaning of the piglets (.2 % vs 1.1 %), a lower rate of late onset of estrus (3.4 % vs 6.2 %), a lower frequency of non-pregnant sows (16.0 % vs 22.2 %), less sows with abortion (.9 % vs 2.2 %) and a lower rate of mortality (1.1 % vs 4.0 %) compared with gilts and sows with MMA. The same effects have been demonstrated both in gilts and sows.

Assessment of tissue injury in cryopreserved ovarian tissue

Assessment of tissue injury in cryopreserved ovarian tissue

Impact of energy intake and pregnancy status on rate and efficiency of gain and backfat changes of sows postweaning.

A collaborative study was conducted to evaluate factors related to determining optimal feeding and management programs for increasing net returns from marketing cull sows. A total of 269 multiparous sows averaging 192 kg of body weight were weaned, moved to individual gestation crates, and assigned to one of eight treatment combinations in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement for a 42-d postweaning feeding experiment. Factors included limited (L) (1.8 kg/sow/d) or ad libitum (AL) access to feed during wk 1 postweaning, a corn-soybean meal (corn) or barley-sunflower meal (barley) diet, and pregnant or nonpregnant status. All sows were provided ad libitum access to feed from wk 2 to 6 postweaning. Gain and feed intake (FI) data were collected weekly for each sow and used to calculate gain:feed (G/F). Ultrasonic backfat (BF) data were collected on d 0, 21, and 42 postweaning. Sows on the AL treatment had greater FI (P < 0.05) but similar gain (P = 0.80) for the 42-d postweaning period compared to sows on the L treatment. Most of this response was due to lower sow body weight loss during wk 1 postweaning (P < 0.01) when sows were provided AL (-7.2 kg) vs L (-13.2 kg) access to feed. Sows fed the corn diet had higher gain (P < 0.01), improved G/F (P < 0.01), and increased BF (P < 0.01) over the 42-d feeding period than sows fed barley. The corn diet resulted in less sow BW loss (P < 0.01) during wk 1 (-8.8 kg) than the barley diet (-11.6 kg). Pregnant sows had higher gain, FI, G/ F, and BF (P < 0.01) than nonpregnant sows over the 42-d feeding period. Most of this advantage occurred during wk 4 postweaning when FI and gain of nonpregnant sows was lower (P < 0.01) than for pregnant sows. An economic analysis indicated that, when cull sow prices are relatively high and feed prices are moderate to low, maintaining and managing cull sows for an additional 6 wk postweaning may be economically advantageous compared to 0 or 3 wk. Pregnant sows fed the corn diet produced the greatest economic return. These results suggest that mating sows as they return to estrus postweaning and providing ad libitum access to a corn-soybean meal diet improves growth performance and feed efficiency, and may thereby provide increased returns when marketing cull sows.

Effects of dietary fermentable carbohydrates on behavior and heat production in group-housed sows.

The effects of dietary nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) on behavior and heat production in group-housed sows were studied. Twelve groups of six nonpregnant sows were fed one of four experimental diets that were similar in composition except for starch and NSP contents. Exchanging sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) for tapioca created the difference in dietary starch and NSP ratio. On a dry matter (DM) basis, diets contained 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS. Sows were group-housed. Intake of fermentable NSP (fNSP) for diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS averaged 7.06, 9.18, 11.61, and 13.73 g x kg(-0.75) d(-1), respectively. Sows were fed, once a day at 0800. Dry matter intake for diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS, averaged 38.05, 38.38, 38.53, and 38.35 g x kg(-075) x d(-1), respectively, and ME intake averaged 523, 518, 514, and 493 kJ x kg(-0.75) x d(-1), respectively. On average, sows spent 177 min/d on physical activity, of which 8.8% was spent on eating. Time spent in physical activity was affected by diet (P = 0.005). Sows fed 0 or 10% SBPS spent more time on physical activity than sows fed 20 or 30% SBPS (P = 0.002). Energy cost of physical activity averaged 464 kJ x kg(-0.75) x d(-1) (standard estimated mean of 31) and was similar for diets (P = 0.679). Total heat production (HP) and activity-related heat production (AHP) were affected by diet (P < 0.05). Sows tended to be quieter when fNSP intake increased (P = 0.063). The effect of fNSP intake on HP and AHP was not constant during the day. During the night period, fNSP intake did not affect HP and AHP (P > 0.10). During the day period, increased fNSP intake decreased HP (P = 0.006) and tended to decrease AHP (P = 0.062). During eating, increased fNSP intake increased HP (P = 0.012) and tended to increase AHP (P = 0.074). Despite similar DMI, sows fed 0 or 10% SBPS spent less time eating than sows fed 20 or 30% SBPS (P = 0.009). Feed consumption rate was higher (P = 0.003) in groups fed 0 or 10% SBPS than in groups fed 20 or 30% SBPS. Feed consumption rate decreased by 0.19 g DM x kg(-0.75). min(-1) (P = 0.003) for each gram of fNSP intake. The energy saving effect of physical activity on the NE value of fNSP from SBPS ranged between 2.3 and 3.7 kJ/g of fNSP intake. In conclusion, intake of fNSP from SBPS affected energy expenditure for physical activity (P = 0.063); however, this effect was not constant during the day.

Adaptations of glucose metabolism in multiparous sows: effects of pregnancy and feeding level.

This experiment was undertaken to determine whether pregnancy affects glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in sows fed at different levels. Four replicates of six multiparous Large White sows were involved. In each replicate, four sows were inseminated on the first postweaning estrus (pregnant group) and the two remaining were kept nonpregnant. Half of the sows of each group were fed 2.5 kg/d (low level) and the others 4 kg/d (high level) of the same standard pregnancy diet. Jugular catheters were implanted 2 to 3 d after estrus. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and FFA were determined before and during the 4 h following the morning meal at 10, 30, 59, 87, 93, 101, and 110 d of gestation and at equivalent periods for the nonpregnant sows. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed at 33, 71, 85, 96, and 108 d by i.v. injection of 0.5 g glucose/kg BW. Compared with the glycemia before the meal, all the sows showed hyperglycemia 30 min after the initiation of the meal and hypoglycemia thereafter, with a minimum reached at approximately 75 min. Insulinemia increased from 20 min after food access, reached a maximum at 40 min, and returned to the basal level after 180 min. The higher feeding level increased plasma insulin and lowered plasma glucose levels. Glycemia and insulinemia profiles changed from 87 d onward in the pregnant sows. The peak of glucose induced by the meal was higher, and the subsequent period of hypoglycemia almost disappeared. The area under the insulin curve was unchanged, but insulin secretion was delayed. The glucose tolerance tests showed that between d 85 and 108 the half-life of injected glucose increased and insulin secretion was delayed in the pregnant sows. Compared to the following stages, plasma FFA were high before and after the meal at 10 d, which most likely was a residual effect from the previous gestation/lactation cycle. They were lower from 30 to 101 d in the pregnant and nonpregnant sows. At 110 d, fasting FFA were high again in the pregnant sows only, very likely in relation to the preparation for lactation. This experiment showed that insulin sensitivity decreases after 85 d of pregnancy in multiparous sows.

Expression of connexin-26, -32, and -43 gap junction proteins in the porcine cervix and uterus during pregnancy and relaxin-induced growth.

Connexin (CX) proteins participate in growth, differentiation, and tissue remodeling. Relaxin-stimulated reproductive tissue growth and remodeling may be facilitated by enhanced intracellular communication. This study was an examination of the effects of relaxin in vivo on expression of CX-26, CX-32, and CX-43 in the cervix and uterus of prepubertal pigs. In addition, expression of these proteins was monitored in the sow uterus during pregnancy. Relaxin was administered to prepubertal gilts every 6 h for 54 h. CX expression was characterized by immunoblotting and localized by immunofluorescence. Significant increases in all three CXs were observed in the cervix following relaxin treatment (P < 0.05). Uterine CX proteins were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in relaxin-treated animals compared to controls. The CX protein level in relaxin-treated animals was similar to that observed during the second half of pregnancy, but below levels found in mature, nonpregnant sows. This is the first evidence for specific CX expression in the porcine cervix, and the first study to show that relaxin increases the expression of CX proteins in the porcine uterus and cervix. The data show that CX proteins are differentially regulated in the uterus of the pig during pregnancy. These data support a role for CX-mediated communication during relaxin-induced reproductive tissue growth and remodeling.

Pregnancy diagnosis in sows: direct ELISA for estrone in feces and its prospects for an on-farm test, in comparison to ultrasonography

The usefulness of fecal estrone (E 1) measurement as a tool for pregnancy diagnosis was investigated. Concentrations of E 1 were measured in feces from pregnant and nonpregnant sows by a direct ELISA without extraction. Highly significant differences in E 1 concentrations were found in feces from nonpregnant and pregnant sows (P = 0.016 to < 0.001). Pregnancy diagnosis on Days 26 to 32 after insemination, based both on fecal E 1 concentrations as measured by ELISA and ultrasonography using a 5.0 MHz linear-array transducer, was performed in a group of 496 gilts and sows. The fecal E 1 test had a sensitivity (correct diagnosis of pregnancy) of 96.5% and a specificity (correct diagnosis of nonpregnancy) of 93.6%, using 3.65 ng E 1/g feces as a cut-off value. For ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis the test sensitivity and specificity were 99.3 and 92.5%, respectively. Although an increase of fecal E 1 concentrations was noticed for increasing litter sizes, the results indicated that these concentrations could not be used to predict litter size. It is concluded that the distribution of fecal E 1 concentrations in both nonpregnant and pregnant sows offers a suitable basis for the development of a simple, sow-side pregnancy test.

Intrauterine infusion of high doses of pig trophoblast interferons has no antiluteolytic effect in cyclic gilts.

In the pig species, the preimplanting trophoblast is known to synthesize and secrete high amounts of interferon during early development. Previous experiments in cyclic gilts using total conceptus secretory proteins suggested that porcine trophoblastic interferons, unlike those of ruminants, exert no effect on the luteal cycle. In the present experiment, cyclic Meishan gilts were divided into two groups, cannulated on both uterine horns, and given daily injections of either a placebo or increasing doses of a mixture of recombinant interferon-gamma and interferon-delta, on Days 11-14 of the estrous cycle. In treated gilts, the injected doses were much higher than those previously found in uterine perfusates from pregnant gilts. However, no significant differences could be found between the control (n = 4) and the treated (n = 5) group concerning the days of the estrous cycle for mid-decrease of progesterone (control: Day 14.5+/-0.57 [mean+/-SD]; treated: Day 15+/-1.25), the day of estrus (control: Day 19+/-0.96; treated: Day 19.6+/-0.55), and the subsequent ovulation rate (control: 14+/-2.2 corpora lutea; treated: 13.1+/-1.1 corpora lutea). These data confirm that pig trophoblastic interferons, unlike those of ruminants, do not themselves exert an antiluteolytic effect. A possible synergistic effect of embryonic estrogens on the luteal functions of nonpregnant sows remains to be determined.

The influence of time of insemination relative to time of ovulation on farrowing frequency and litter size in sows, as investigated by ultrasonography

The objective of this experiment was to identify the optimal time of insemination relative to the time of ovulation, based on ultrasonographic detection of embryonic survival at 10 days after ovulation, number of sows farrowing, and litter size. Furthermore, the possible value of the interval from weaning to onset of estrus for prediction of the time of ovulation was examined. Crossbred sows (n = 143) that had farrowed 2 to 9 litters were weaned (Day 0) and observed for estrus every 8 h from Day 3 until end of estrus. Ultrasonography was performed every 6 h, from 12 h after onset of estrus until ovulation had been observed. The sows were inseminated once at various time intervals from ovulation. At Day 16, 25 of the sows were slaughtered and their uteri were flushed for embryos. In the remaining sows, the number of viable and dead piglets and mummified fetuses per sow was recorded at farrowing, with the sum of the 3 constituting the total number of piglets born per sow. The highest number of embryos recovered per sow was found after insemination during the interval from 24 h before to 4 h after ovulation. The lowest frequency of non-pregnant sows and the highest total number of piglets born per sow were found after insemination from 28 h before to 4 h after ovulation. Consequently, the optimal time for insemination was found to be in the interval 28 h before to 4 h after ovulation. The interval from weaning to onset of estrus and from onset of estrus to ovulation were negatively correlated, allowing a rough prediction of the time of ovulation from the interval from weaning to onset of estrus.

Angiotensin II receptors and renin in the porcine uterus: myometrial AT2 and endometrial AT1 receptors are down-regulated during gestation.

1. The aim of the present study was to characterize the angiotensin II (AngII) receptor subtypes in the porcine uterus and the variation of receptor densities and renin concentrations during gestation. 2. In myometrium from non-pregnant sows, the AngII receptors were almost exclusively AT2 receptors. During gestation, the AngII receptor density was decreased and the AT1 receptor became predominant in the last part of gestation as a result of a down-regulation of the AT2 receptor. 3. In the endometrium, the AT1 receptor was predominant both in non-pregnant sows and throughout gestation. The AngII receptor density was decreased during gestation as a consequence of down-regulation of the AT1 receptor. 4. The renin concentrations in the myometrium and endometrium of pregnant sows did not differ from those in non-pregnant animals. 5. The finding of enzymatically active renin and high densities of AngII receptors in the porcine uterus is in accordance with a functional renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which may be important for an increased vascular permeability and stimulated angiogenesis in early pregnancy and for contraction of the myometrial smooth muscle cells during parturition. The predominance of AT1 receptors in the endometrium of non-pregnant sows differs from an earlier finding in non-pregnant women, where AT2 receptors were predominant in the endometrium. This is in accordance with earlier studies, indicating species differences in the expression and possibly also the physiological roles of the RAS in reproductive tissues.

Direct elisa for estrone measurement in the feces of sows: Prospects for rapid, sow-side pregnancy diagnosis

Both free and conjugated fecal estrogens were surveyed in sows by means of RIA's after extraction and column chromatography. Six different RIA's were performed using the same fecal suspension. Based on differences in concentration in feces from 6 pregnant and 4 nonpregnant sows, estrone (E 1) was selected for the development of a homologous, competitive ELISA for pregnancy diagnosis purposes. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against 6-keto-E 1-carboxymethyloxime coupled to BSA. Biotinylated E 1 was used as the competitive agent and was detected with a streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate. Tetramethylbenzidine was used as chromogen. Validation of this direct, easy to perform ELISA showed satisfactory specificity, accuracy, precision and sensitivity. Comparison of the assay with a validated RIA (including extraction and column chromatography) resulted in a linear regression equation of ELISA = 0.88 RIA — 0.72 (r = 0.95; n = 24 fecal samples). The E 1 values in feces from 11 pregnant sows during the first 40 d of gestation compared with values from 10 nonpregnant sows showed significant differences between Days 23 and 35 of pregnancy (P < 0.05). The highly significant difference in E 1 concentrations (P < 0.0012) between Days 27 and 30 in particular offers promise for pregnancy diagnosis.

Dynamic changes in the lymphocyte subpopulations of pig uterine lymph nodes

Cell subpopulations in local lymph nodes draining the uterine tissue of non-pregnant and pregnant pigs were examined by one- and two-colour immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry using a panel of monoclonal antibodies to pig leucocyte cell surface antigens. Significant changes were observed in the T and B lymphocyte subpopulations and in a subpopulation of non-T or B cells. Activation of lymphocytes in the uterine lymph nodes during cycling in non-pregnant gilts suggests a role for the local immune system in the normal physiology of the uterus. In non-pregnant sows there was evidence of an increase in the CD4 CD8 H ratio and in the proportion of B cells in the uterine nodes when compared to gilts with no prior reproductive experience. Pregnancy was shown to induce further dramatic changes in the uterine lymph nodes with an escalation in the proportion of B cells from 48% to 88% and a further increase in the CD4 CD8 H ratio. For the first time in swine, low-level CD2 expression is reported on a subpopulation of B cells which are activated during pregnancy. These results provide evidence that the local uterine immune system in pigs plays a role in reproduction and perhaps in the maintenance of normal pregnancy.

Effects of dry sow housing conditions on muscle weight and bone strength

AbstractConfinement has been shown to affect bone strenth in poultry but this weakness has not been documented in other species housed in confinement. The objectives of this experiment were to compare muscle weight and bone strength in non-pregnant sows, of similar age and parity, housed throughout eight or nine pregnancies in two different dry sow systems: (1) individually in stalls and (2) communally in a large group. Following slaughter, the left thoracic and pelvic limbs were dissected and 14 locomotor muscles removed and c. ???lied. A proportional muscle weight was then calculated by dividing individual muscle weight (g) by total body weight (kg). Where there were significant differences, stall-housed sows had lower absolute and proportional muscle weights than group-housed sows. The left humerus and femur were also removed. The bones were broken by a three-point bend test using an Instron Universal Tester. Both bones from stall-housed sows had breaking strengths that were about two-thirds those of group-housed sows. The results indicate that confinement of sows, with a consequent lack of exercise, results in reduction of muscle weight and considerable reduction of bone strength.

Effect of Hay's separation principle on the energy metabolism.

A cross-over experiment was conducted with 8 adult, nonpregnant sows in order to test whether feeding according to the principle of Hay's separation diet exerts a stimulant effect on thermogenesis. The protein part of the daily ration was offered at the morning feeding, the other ration components in equal amounts at two further feedings. The control group received the daily ration in three equal portions. The levels of all nutrients in the rations matched the maintenance requirement based on the initial weight of the sows and remained unchanged throughout the experiment. In both 3-week metabolism periods a complete balance was undertaken for each animal using the collection technique (feed, feces, urine) and 48-hour measurement of the gas exchange in a respiration chamber. The body weight of the sows fed the separation diet was 178.3 kg and that of the control 178.6 kg. Oxygen and carbon dioxide were reduced by 1.5% with separation. The respiratory quotient remained unchanged. The experimental treatment had no effect on energy digestibility and metabolizability. Heat production of the animals on the separation diet was 20.6 versus 20.1 MJ/day on the control diet. The result was reversed for energy retention, namely 0.6 versus 0.0 MJ/day. The daily energy exchange profile, represented by thermogenesis plotted at 5-min intervals, showed slightly lower values than the control after the protein meal and only random differences between the two treatments for the remainder of the day. It can be concluded from the results that separation of the protein and carbohydrates in the diet within 1 day, rather than stimulating thermogenesis, is more likely to reduce it.