Number Of Live-born Piglets Research Articles

Buserelin Acetate Added to Boar Semen Enhances Litter Size in Gilts in Tropical Environments.

The use of exogenous hormones has long been of interest for improving reproductive performance in swine production. Enhancing litter size directly impacts the economic efficiency of pig production. Various strategies, including nutritional, genetic, and hormonal approaches, have been explored with varying degrees of success. Administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, such as buserelin, at the onset of estrus can induce ovulation and reduce the variation in ovulation timing among sows. This study assessed the impact of GnRH agonist supplementation in boar semen doses on the litter size of inseminated gilts. The research was conducted on a commercial swine herd in northern Thailand. A total of 231 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred gilts, aged 224.5 ± 16.2 days at the onset of estrus synchronization, participated in the experiment. The gilts' estrus was synchronized with oral altrenogest supplementation at a dosage of 20 mg/day for 18 days. After exhibiting standing estrus, the gilts were randomly divided into three groups. Control group: gilts were inseminated at 0 and 12 h post standing estrus onset with a conventional semen dose (n = 94). Treatment 1: similar to the control group, but with an added 5 µg (1.25 mL) of buserelin acetate to the boar semen dose during the first insemination (n = 71). Treatment 2: similar to the control group, but with 10 µg (2.5 mL) of buserelin acetate added to the boar semen dose during the first insemination (n = 66). All gilts were inseminated twice during their standing estrus using the intrauterine artificial insemination method. Each semen dose contained 3.0 × 109 motile sperm in 80 mL. The farrowing rate averaged 78.8% and did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.141). The total number of piglets born per litter in the treatment 2 group was greater than in the control group (14.0 ± 0.3 vs. 13.2 ± 0.3, respectively, p = 0.049), but was not significantly different from the treatment 1 group (13.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.154). Similarly, the number of live-born piglets in the treatment 2 group was greater than in the control and treatment 1 groups (13.2 ± 0.4 vs. 12.3 ± 0.3 and 12.0 ± 0.4, respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, the live-born piglets' litter birth weight in the treatment 2 group was greater than in the control group (17.0 ± 0.4 vs. 15.6 ± 0.3 kg, respectively, p = 0.008) and the treatment 1 group (15.7 ± 0.4 kg, p = 0.025). In conclusion, adding a GnRH agonist to boar semen appears to enhance the litter size of gilts. Further research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms and determining the optimal dose and timing for GnRH agonist supplementation.

Determining the Effect of Pancreatic-like Enzymes (PLEMs) Added to the Feed of Pregnant Sows on Fetal Size of Piglets to Minimize IUGR Syndrome Caused by Fetal Malnutrition.

The present study aimed to develop a feeding strategy for pregnant sows that involved the prenatal administration of a mixture of pancreatic-like fungal enzymes, such as lipase, amylase, and protease, at (1) 1-115 days of gestation (group D1) and (2) 80-115 days of gestation (group D2) and to carry out a comparison with groups of sows that were not receiving such supplementation (negative control (NC) and positive control (PC)). It was found that the administration of the enzyme supplement resulted in a significant shortening of gestation (p ≤ 0.01). The pancreatic enzymes administered to sows had a significant effect on the number of liveborn piglets and weaned piglets, which was higher compared with the control groups that did not receive supplementation: D1-12.1 ± 1.1 and 11.12 ± 1.1 and D2-12.8 ± 1.3 and 11.75 ± 0.07 vs. the control groups KN-10.7 ± 1.0 and 9.62 ± 0.95 and KP-10.9 ± 1.2 and 10.15 ± 1.0 (p < 0.006), respectively. Significant changes in piglet growth were observed after weaning up to 70 days of age. During this period, the most favorable growth parameters were observed in groups D2 (420 ± 91 g) and PC (407 ± 103 g), in which piglets obtained a mixture of pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) at 3 weeks of age, and significantly higher weight gain and feed intake were observed compared with groups NC (378 ± 114 g) and D1 (381 ± 96 g) (p ≤ 0.007). In contrast, insulin levels were significantly lower in groups D1 and D2, with values of 6.8 IU/mL and 6.7 IU/mL, respectively, compared with groups NC (14.6 IU/mL) and PC (16.6 IU/mL) (p ≤ 0.01). Piglets in group D2 had a significantly better feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.604 ± 0.10 compared with the other dietary groups: KN-1.986 ± 0.14; KP-1.704 ± 0.11; and D1-1.932 ± 0.15 (p ≤ 0.03). Histological imaging confirmed a significantly thicker intestinal epithelium and intestinal mesenteron in animals from groups D2 and PC (p ≤ 0.03). Animals from the groups KP, D1, and D2 receiving enzymes showed a highly significant increase in the surface area of pancreatic follicles and pancreatic surface area compared with the group without KN supplementation (p < 0.01). Furthermore, significantly higher activity of the brush border enzyme lactase was observed in groups D1, D2, and PC, with values of 32.90 ± 3.99, 30.00 ± 6.83, and 29.60 ± 29.60, respectively, compared with group NC, with a value of 21.80 ± 3.27 (p ≤ 0.01).

Factors affecting birth weight and stillbirth in sows housed in a tropical environment.

This study analysed data from a commercial swine herd in Thailand equipped with a free-farrowing housing system, comprising 17,196 piglets from 1318 litters, to explore the impact of sow and litter characteristics on the piglet birth weight and the incidence of stillbirth. The piglets were classified into four groups based on the total number of piglets born per litter (TB): ≤9 (n = 1434), 10-12 (n = 3232), 13-15 (n = 6537) and ≥16 (n = 5993). Sows were classified into four groups based on parity number: 1, 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8. The piglets were categorized into quartiles based on their birth order ranking: Q1 (n = 4786), Q2 (n = 4143), Q3 (n = 3808) and Q4 (n = 4456). Piglet birth weight was individually measured before colostrum ingestion. On average, TB, the number of live-born piglets and the incidence of stillbirth were 13.1 ± 3.7, 11.5 ± 3.8 and 6.3%, respectively. Among these litters, 26.6% had TB numbers ≥16. The average piglet birth weight was 1.37 ± 0.36 kg, with 18.3% of piglets weighing ≤1.0 kg at birth. Piglet birth weight was influenced by birth order ranking, as Q4 piglets were found to be heavier than piglets born in Q1-Q3 (p < .001). Moreover, the percentage of piglets with a birth weight of ≤1.0 kg increased from 5.9% in litters with TB of ≤9-25.3% in litters with TB of ≥16 (p < .001). Additionally, primiparous sows had lower piglet birth weights compared to sows with parity numbers 2-4, 5-7 and ≥8 (p < .001). Piglets born in the fourth quartile (Q4) had a higher risk of stillbirth compared to those born in the first (Q1), second (Q2) and third (Q3) quartiles (12.5% vs. 2.2%, 4.1% and 6.6%, respectively, p < .001). The incidence of stillbirth in litters with TB ≥16 was also higher than that in litters with TB ≤9 and 10-12 (p < .05). Furthermore, sows with parity numbers ≥8 had a higher incidence of stillbirth (9.7%) compared to primiparous sows (4.0%, p < .001), sows with 2-4 parity (5.2%, p < .001) and sows with 5-7 parity (7.6%, p = .003). In summary, a high incidence of stillbirth was found in piglets born in the last quartile of litters, in litters with >16 piglets and for sows with parity numbers ≥8. Piglets born in the last quartile of litters were heavier than those born in the first to third quartiles.

The effect of backfat thickness determinedin vivoin breeding gilts on their reproductive performance and longevity

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of backfat thickness (mean standardised measurement fromin vivoassessment) of Polish Large White (PLW) gilts on their reproductive performance and productive lifespan. The study included 5,122 PLW gilts from 160 breeding herds in Poland, which reproductive performance was analysed on the basis of the rearing results of 20,662 litters. The gilts were divided into two groups differing in mean standardised backfat thickness (P2+P4/2) on the performance test day: I≤10 mm, II&gt;10 mm. Sows in group I vs II had a three month shorter herd life (P≤0.001), gave birth to fewer litters and piglets (P≤0.001), but the average number of piglets born alive and reared to 21 days of age/litter was higher in them (P≤0.001). The number of live-born piglets per 100 days of reproductive life in group I was greater than in group II (P≤0.001). When culling sows in cycles 1–8 and later, there was more intensive culling in group I vs II from cycle 1 to 6 and a lower percentage of sows remaining in the herd. In group I vs II, the proportion of sows with a lifetime productivity of fewer than 30 piglets was 5.5 percentage points higher and that with a production of more than 100 piglets was 1.9 percentage points lower. Our results indicate that the level of fat reserves determined in vivo in breeding gilts can be a preliminary information about the reproductive potential of sows and their predisposition to longevity.

Risk factors differ for viable and low viable crushed piglets in free farrowing pens.

Newborn piglets have a high risk of being crushed by the sow, and this risk implies welfare and economic consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of differentiating between low viable (secondary crushing losses) and viable crushed (primary crushing losses) piglets for the evaluation of risk factors for crushing related to characteristics of the sow, the litter, and the environment. Eleven Swiss farmers recorded sows' production data (parity class, gestation length, numbers of live-born and stillborn piglets), data (age, sex, weight, cause of death, and signs of weakness) for every live-born piglet that died in the first week after birth (piglet loss), and ambient temperature. Piglet losses were assigned to five categorical events: piglet loss, subdivided into not crushed and crushed, the latter being further subdivided into low viable crushed and viable crushed. Piglets recorded by the farmer as crushed were assigned to the events low viable crushed and viable crushed based on the piglet's body weight and signs of weakness (diseases, malformations). Data of 9,543 live-born piglets from 740 litters were eventually used to statistically model the hazard of dying at any given time in the first week after birth due to one of these events (mixed-effects Cox model). Five potential risk factors were analyzed as co-variates: parity class, gestation length, number of live-born piglets, number of stillborn piglets, and daily number of hours with ambient temperature >30°C. We identified two risk factors for dying from the event viable crushed that were not identified as risk factors for low viable crushed, namely shorter gestation length and higher daily number of hours with ambient temperature > 30°C. Vice-versa, we identified additional live-born piglets in the litter as risk factor for low viable crushed, but not for viable crushed. Our results show the importance of differentiating between low viable and viable crushed piglets for the interpretation of risk factors for crushing losses. Therefore, we suggest that for breeding purposes and in research, this differentiation should be made.

Supplementation with alpha-glycerol monolaurate during late gestation and lactation enhances sow performance, ameliorates milk composition, and improves growth of suckling piglets

BackgroundPhysiological changes during lactation cause oxidative stress in sows, reduce immunity, and hamper the growth capacity of piglets. Alpha-glycerol monolaurate (α-GML) has potential for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of sows and the growth of suckling piglets.MethodsEighty sows were allocated randomly to four groups: basal diet and basal diets supplemented with 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg α-GML. The experiment started on d 85 of gestation and lasted until piglets were weaned on d 21 of lactation. The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 12 ± 1 per sow on day of parturition. On d 0 and 21 of lactation, body weight of piglets was measured and milk samples were obtained from sows, and serum samples and feces from piglets were obtained on d 21.ResultsFeed intake, backfat loss, and weaning estrus interval did not differ among the four groups of sows. Maternal α-GML supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the body weight of piglets at weaning and the apparent total tract digestibility of crude fat of sows. The immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels were greater (P < 0.05) in a quadratic manner in the milk of sows as dietary α-GML increased. Concerning fatty acid profile, C12:0, C15:0, C17:0, C18:2n6c, C18:3n3, C24:0, and C22:6n3 were higher (P < 0.05) in linear and quadratic manners in colostrum of sows-fed α-GML diets compared with the control sows. There was lower (P < 0.05) n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio in milk than in the control sows. Maternal α-GML increased the abundance of Firmicutes (P < 0.05) and decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria (P < 0.05) of piglet fecal microbiota.ConclusionsDietary supplementation with α-GML improved milk immunoglobulins and altered fatty acids of sows, thereby improving the health of piglets.

Effect of thiamine pyrophosphate on the characteristics of farrowing and piglet vitality

Asphyxia is considered the main non-infectious cause of prepartum mortality in swine, as well as an important factor that negatively affects neonatal vitality and can trigger physiological and metabolic disorders. Hence, the search for pharmacological protocols to reduce the harmful effects of asphyxia is a key area of research. Recent observations show that administering thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) prior to a hypoxic event in certain species (rabbits, rats) has a neuroprotector effect that preserves energy metabolism under hypoxic conditions. Given this, the objective of this study was to evaluate a prophylactic protocol in high- and low-vitality neonate piglets based on TPP's effect on physiological and metabolic responses, body temperature, and weight. A total of 149 piglets born from 15 multiparous sows were used. The dams were randomly divided into two groups: control (NaCl 0.9%) and TPP (25 ml of TTP) administered 24 and 12 h before the expected farrowing date. The following reproductive variables of the sows were recorded: duration of farrowing, total number of piglets born per litter, number of liveborn piglets per litter, number of stillbirths and mummified fetuses at birth, and number of live piglets at weaning. In addition, the expulsion interval and vitality of all neonates were evaluated, body temperatures were recorded at ten intervals, and physiological profiles (blood gases, electrolytes, glucose) were registered for each neonate. Results show that the TPP-treated sows had shorter farrowing duration (P = 0.0060) and higher percentage of high-vitality neonates (60%). Moreover, their offspring exhibited greater vitality, fewer imbalances in their physiological and metabolic profiles, and greater weight gain at weaning (P < 0.0001). Findings suggest that administering TPP exerts a protective effect when hypoxic events occur, though this differs from results obtained with rat pups, where applying TPP after such events did not provide protection from asphyxia-induced damage. These differences may be due to the moment at which TPP was applied. The application time we selected was distinct from the procedure followed with rats because it was based on a dataset that describes the influence of administering TPP as a prophylactic treatment before a hypoxic event. Prophylactic administration of TPP to sows at the end of gestation exerted a neuroprotective effect on neonatal vitality and gas exchanges and energy metabolism in the offspring that were reflected in the greater weekly weight gain in those piglets.

Investigating Visual Monitoring of the Scrotum as a Supplementary Tool for Boar Semen Quality Evaluation.

Farm animals behavior research uses video cameras, mainly for visual observation and recording. The purpose of this feasibility study was to enrich the predictable methods of boar semen production capacity by correlating sperm variables with the scrotal contractions (SC) frequency and intensity. A video camera was used to record the reaction of the scrotum during ejaculation. The respective collected ejaculates were evaluated and semen parameters, such as viability, morphology, membranes functional integrity and kinematics, were determined. The camera recorded the scrotal contractions/relaxations and the video was handled by the Image Processing Toolbox of Matlab (Mathworks Inc., Natick, MA, USA). The SC intensity was verified as a percentage change in the scrotum size among the video frames of maximum contraction and relaxation. The archived data from the frames were analyzed statistically, using a linear mixed effects model that involved sperm assessed parameters. Correlations of the SC intensity with the average path velocity, VAP (R2 = 0.591, p = 0.043) and with the percentage of the cytoplasmic droplets (R2 = 0.509, p = 0.036) were noticed. Previous studies reported the positive correlation of VAP with the number of live-born piglets. In conclusion, video monitoring of the boar scrotal function during ejaculation is useful, but more research is needed to establish its appropriateness as a supplementary method for the prognosis of boar ability to produce high-quality semen.

Weighted Single-Step Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction Method Application for Assessing Pigs on Meat Productivity and Reproduction Traits.

Simple SummaryThe effectiveness of genomic selection in pig breeding depends largely on genomic prediction accuracy. The relatively short generation interval and the high selection intensity make the issue of the selection criterion accuracy extremely important. Genotyping animals by SNP markers makes it possible to increase the accuracy of breeding criteria for young replacement animals. However, the applied computational algorithm plays an equally important role, that is, the method of calculating the genomic estimates. The study compared three methods (BLUP AM, ssGBLUP, wssGBLUP) for the assessment of pigs’ breeding value according to five main breeding traits.Changes in the accuracy of the genomic estimates obtained by the ssGBLUP and wssGBLUP methods were evaluated using different reference groups. The weighting procedure’s reasonableness of application Pwas considered to improve the accuracy of genomic predictions for meat, fattening and reproduction traits in pigs. Six reference groups were formed to assess the genomic data quantity impact on the accuracy of predicted values (groups of genotyped animals). The datasets included 62,927 records of meat and fattening productivity (fat thickness over 6–7 ribs (BF1, mm)), muscle depth (MD, mm) and precocity up to 100 kg (age, days) and 16,070 observations of reproductive qualities (the number of all born piglets (TNB) and the number of live-born piglets (NBA), according to the results of the first farrowing). The wssGBLUP method has an advantage over ssGBLUP in terms of estimation reliability. When using a small reference group, the difference in the accuracy of ssGBLUP over BLUP AM is from −1.9 to +7.3 percent points, while for wssGBLUP, the change in accuracy varies from +18.2 to +87.3 percent points. Furthermore, the superiority of the wssGBLUP is also maintained for the largest group of genotyped animals: from +4.7 to +15.9 percent points for ssGBLUP and from +21.1 to +90.5 percent points for wssGBLUP. However, for all analyzed traits, the number of markers explaining 5% of genetic variability varied from 71 to 108, and the number of such SNPs varied depending on the size of the reference group (79–88 for BF1, 72–81 for MD, 71–108 for age). The results of the genetic variation distribution have the greatest similarity between groups of about 1000 and about 1500 individuals. Thus, the size of the reference group of more than 1000 individuals gives more stable results for the estimation based on the wssGBLUP method, while using the reference group of 500 individuals can lead to distorted results of GEBV.

Dietary supplementation with branched-chain amino acids enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of suckling piglets

BackgroundUnder current dietary regimens, milk production by lactating sows is insufficient to sustain the maximal growth of their piglets. As precursors of glutamate and glutamine as well as substrates and activators of protein synthesis, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have great potential for enhancing milk production by sows.MethodsThirty multiparous sows were assigned randomly into one of three groups: control (a corn- and soybean meal-based diet), the basal diet + 1.535% BCAAs; and the basal diet + 3.07% BCAAs. The ratio (g/g) among the supplemental L-isoleucine, L-leucine and L-valine was 1.00:2.56:1.23. Diets were made isonitrogenous by the addition of appropriate amounts of L-alanine. Lactating sows had free access to drinking water and their respective diets. The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 9 per sow at d 0 of lactation (the day of parturition). On d 3, 15 and 29 of lactation, body weights and milk consumption of piglets were measured, and blood samples were obtained from sows and piglets 2 h and 1 h after feeding and nursing, respectively.ResultsFeed intake did not differ among the three groups of sows. Concentrations of asparagine, glutamate, glutamine, citrulline, arginine, proline, BCAAs, and many other amino acids were greater (P < 0.05) in the plasma of BCAA-supplemented sows and their piglets than those in the control group. Compared with the control, dietary supplementation with 1.535% and 3.07% BCAAs increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of free and protein-bound BCAAs, glutamate plus glutamine, aspartate plus asparagine, and many other amino acids in milk; milk production by 14% and 21%, respectively; daily weight gains of piglets by 19% and 28%, respectively, while reducing preweaning mortality rates by 50% and 70%, respectively.ConclusionDietary supplementation with up to 3.07% BCAAs enhanced milk production by lactating sows, and the growth and survival of their piglets.

Neither frozen-thawed seminal plasma nor commercial transforming growth factor-β1 infused intra-utero before insemination improved fertility and prolificacy in sows.

Seminal plasma (SP) affects reproduction, inducing cell and molecular changes in the female genital tract. A main active component in SP is the modulatory transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), particularly its TGF-β1 isoform, which affects the synthesis of other cytokines as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, relevant for embryo development and pregnancy. This study evaluated the effect of pooled frozen-thawed SP and commercial TGF-β1 infused during oestrus in sows post-cervically inseminated with liquid extended semen, containing ~4ml of residual SP, on their fertility and prolificacy. For this, 250 sows in their post-weaning oestrus were used. Sows were randomly assigned to one of the following groups to be post-cervically treated 30min before insemination: (i) SP group: infused with 40ml of SP (N=57); ii) Group TFGß1 : infused with 40ml of BTS extender containing 3ng/ml of porcine TGF-β1 (N=64); iii) BTS group: infused with 40ml of BTS extender (N=60); and iv) Control Group: sows catheterized but not infused prior to AI (N=69). Farrowing rates (range: 86.7% to 91.3%) and numbers of live-born piglets (range: range: 12.8±2.9 to 13.4±3.1) were not affected by any treatment compared with Controls, indicating that neither pre-infusions of SP nor TGF-ß1 30min before AI influenced subsequent fertility and prolificacy.

Dietary supplementation with monosodium glutamate enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of suckling piglets.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that increasing dietary content of glutamate through addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of their offspring. Thirty multiparous sows (Landrace × Large White) were assigned randomly into one of three dietary groups: control (a corn- and soybean meal-based diet), the basal diet + 1% MSG, and the basal diet + 2% MSG. Diets were made isonitrogenous by the addition of appropriate amounts of L-alanine. Lactating sows had free access to drinking water andwere fed twice daily their respective diets. The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 9 per sow at day 0 of lactation (the day of farrowing). On days 3, 15, and 29 of lactation, body weight and milk consumption of piglets were measured, and blood samples obtained from sows and piglets at 2h and 1h after feeding, respectively. Feed intake of sows did not differ (P > 0.05) among the three groups of sows. Concentrations of aspartate, glutamine, citrulline, arginine, tryptophan, proline, branched-chain amino acids, and glutamate were greater (P < 0.05) in the plasma of MSG-supplemented sows and their piglets than for controls. When compared with the control, dietary supplementation with 1-2% MSG increased (P < 0.05): concentrations of manyfree amino acids (including glutamate plus glutamine) and allprotein-bound amino acids in milk; the milk intake of piglets by 14-25%; and daily weight gains of piglets by 23-44%. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 1-2% MSG to lactating sowsenhances milk production to support the growth of sow-reared piglets.

Combined Effect of Sow Parity and Terminal Boar on Losses of Piglets and Pre-Weaning Growth Intensity of Piglets.

Simple SummaryThe production of piglets is influenced by a range of factors; among the most important are parity of sows and genotype, which is half determined by terminal boars. In this study, reproductive performance, losses of piglets, and growth of piglets were compared depending on the parity and effect of terminal boars. The number of reared piglets, which is considered the most important parameter in the breeding of sows, was not affected by the evaluated factors. However, evaluation of pre-weaning losses of piglets clearly showed the lowest values in the third parity sows. Additionally, piglets of purebred Duroc and Large Whitesirelinie boars showed the lowest losses before weaning and the highest growth intensity at the same time. In addition, the importance of studying interactions between factors was emphasized. These interactions revealed differences in some reproductive parameters and growth intensity of piglets in sows of a different parity after insemination with different terminal boars. The results show that the effect of terminal boars is crucial in the production of piglets. Based on the observed evaluation, the terminal boars of Duroc and Large Whitesirelinie breeds can be recommended as optimal for the production of piglets. This study analysed the effect of sow parity (P), terminal boars (TB), and their combination on reproductive parameters of sows, losses of piglets, and their individual live-weight (LW) and average daily gain (ADG) from birth to weaning. A total of 120 sows of Large White × Landrace hybrid combination from the first to the fourth parity (30 sows per parity) were included in the observation. The sows were inseminated by terminal boars of Pietrain (Pn), Large Whitesireline (LWSL), and Duroc (D) breeds and Duroc × Large Whitesirelinie (D × LWSL), Large Whitesirelinie × Pietrain (LWSL × Pn), and Duroc × Pietrain (D × Pn) hybrid combinations (20 sows per terminal boar population). The results proved a significant effect of P on the total numbers of piglets (TN), the numbers of stillborn piglets (SB), and the pre-weaning losses of piglets (L) (p ≤ 0.01) with the lowest losses found in the third parity sows. A significant effect of TB was confirmed for TN, the numbers of live-born piglets (LB), SB, the numbers of mummified piglets (M) and non-viable piglets (N), and (L) (p ≤ 0.01). The sows inseminated by D and LWSL boars showed the lowest total numbers of piglets but also the highest survivability of piglets until weaning. Significant effects of interaction between P and TB were observed for the TN, SB, N, and L (p ≤ 0.05). Evaluation of growth parameters in piglets (n = 1547) showed that P significantly influenced LW in the first three weeks of life (p ≤ 0.01) and ADG from birth to Day 7 and from Day 15 to Day 21 (p ≤ 0.01). Additionally, a significant effect (p ≤ 0.01) of TB was proven on individual weight and ADG in all the observed time intervals, with the highest growth found in the piglets of the D and LWSL boars. Significant interactions (p ≤ 0.01) between P and TB were found for LW and ADG in all the time intervals.

Maternal supplementation with phytogenic additives influenced the faecal microbiota and reproductive potential in sows

Sows undergo physiological stress during gestation and lactation, potentially leading to enteric dysbiosis and reduced reproductive potential. Phytogenic additives (PFs) may improve performance via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This study determined whether the provision of a gestation/lactation diet containing PAs would alter the gastrointestinal microbiota of sows and their piglets, and improve performance. Sows received a commercial diet throughout gestation and lactation (CTR; n = 64), a commercial diet throughout gestation and a diet containing PAs in lactation (CTR-PA; n = 63) or a commercial diet containing PAs in gestation and lactation (PA; n = 90). Sows were weighed and backfat recorded after mating and at entry and exit from the farrowing house and piglets were weighed on days 1 and 21 of life. Faecal samples collected from sows at farrowing house entry and piglets at 21 and 35 d were subjected to 16 S rRNA gene amplicon analysis. The addition of PAs to sow diets resulted in more piglets born (P = 0.03), however, it did not improve the number of liveborn piglets (P = 0.14). There were no differences in sow weight, P2 backfat depth or lactation feed intake observed. PAs had no effect on piglet weight or survival to weaning but did alter the faecal microbiota of sows, and this change was observed in piglets at 21 and 35 d. PA supplementation to sows has the potential to increase litter size, while also potentially influencing gastrointestinal tract health of the sow and piglets reared.

PSVI-1 Effect of Light Regiment on Farrowing Performance in Sows

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of light on farrowing performance in sows. Thirty sows were moved to the farrowing unit at d 110 of gestation and were assigned one of two treatments: 12 h light/dark cycle (Dark) or 24 h light (Light). Treatments were initiated upon entry into the farrowing unit until completion of farrowing was confirmed. For Dark sows, the farrowing crates were structured with light blocking tarps that were lowered at 1900 hr and raised at 0700 hr daily. Video recording devices were installed above all sows and continuous video was recorded from initiation of the treatments until farrowing was complete. Data collected included duration of farrowing, birthing interval, number of stillborn piglets as an indirect measure of dystocia, total born, and liveborn piglets. All statistical analyses were performed using the mixed procedure of SAS, where the experimental unit was individual sow. Funding for this project was provided by the National Pork Checkoff and the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence. Dark sows were more likely to give birth closer to their due date compared to Light sows (1.34 vs. 2.16 ± 0.24 days relative to a 115-day due date, respectively; P = 0.02). Total duration of parturition did not differ between treatments (P = 0.56). Number of liveborn piglets between treatments did not differ (P = 0.68), however the number of stillborn piglets between treatments was different (P = 0.02), where Dark sows had a higher incidence of stillborn piglets compared to Light sows (1.52 vs. 0.65 ± 0.25 stillborn piglets/litter, respectively). The interval between piglets did not differ between treatments (P = 0.93). It is hypothesized that the effects on due date and increased incidence of stillborn piglets was caused by increased stress due to visual isolation in the Dark sows.

Investigation Into the Relationship Between Sperm Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 2 (CRISP2) and Sperm Fertilizing Ability and Fertility of Boars.

The proteins in the seminal plasma and on the sperm surface play important roles in sperm function and numerous reproductive processes. The cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are enriched biasedly in the male reproductive tract of mammals, and CRISP2 is the sole member of CRISPs produced during spermatogenesis; whereas the role of CRISP2 in fertilization and its association with fertility of boars are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sperm CRISP2 and boar fertility, and explore its impact sperm fertilizing ability. The levels of CRISP2 protein in sperm were quantified by ELISA; correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CRISP2 protein levels and boar reproductive parameters. Meanwhile, the expression of CRISP2 in boar reproductive organs and sperm, and the effects of CRISP2 on in vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined. The results showed that boars with high sperm levels of CRISP2 had high fertility. The protein levels of CRISP2 in sperm were positively correlated with the litter size (r = 0.412, p = 0.026), the number of live-born piglets (r = 0.421, p = 0.023) and the qualified piglets per litter (r = 0.381, p = 0.042). CRISP2 is specifically expressed in the testis and sperm of adult boars, and its location on sperm changed mainly from the post-acrosomal region to the apical segment of acrosome during capacitation. The cleavage rate was significantly decreased by adding the anti-CRISP2 antibody to the IVF medium, which indicates CRISP2 plays a critical role in fertilization. In conclusion, CRISP2 protein is specifically expressed in the adult testis and sperm and is associated with sperm fertilizing ability and boar fertility. Further mechanistic studies are warranted, in order to fully decipher the role of CRISP2 in the boar reproduction.

Production Efficiency Analysis of Indigenous Pig Production in Northwest Vietnam

This research was conducted to investigate the production efficiency of Ban pig production in northwest Vietnam between October 2016 and January 2017. Primary data obtained from 171 producers were analyzed by applying cost-benefit analysis and stochastic frontier production function. The benefit-cost ratio per litter was 1.24, indicating that the enterprise was profitable. Compared to other farms, the farms focused on farrow-to-finisher attained the highest net return (EUR 213.71/litter), while inputs were used most effectively by the mixed farms. The results from the Cobb-Douglas production function revealed that labour, feeding costs, stocking density, and pigpen structure had positive effects on the production output. Additionally, farms with the phase of farrow-to-nursery obtained less total revenue, while farms focused on the farrow-to-finisher phase achieved higher production outputs than the mixed farms. The level of technical efficiency for each farm ranged between 0.62 and 0.98, with a mean of 0.88. The number of live-born piglets and depreciation cost had positive effects, whereas the nursery interval had a negative impact on the technical efficiency. Ban pig producers could increase technical efficiency by efficiently utilizing available resources and improving managerial skills.

Short Communication: effect of positive handling of sows on litter performance and pre-weaning piglet mortality

Fear and environmental stressors may negatively affect the welfare of farm animals such as pigs. The present study investigated the effects of music and positive handling on reproductive performance of sows (n = 1014; parity 1 to 8) from a commercial pig farm practicing a batch farrowing system. Every 2 weeks, 56 sows were moved from the gestation unit to conventional-crated farrowing houses 1 week prior to expected farrowing. Treated (T; n = 299) and control (C; n = 715) sows were included in the study. In the farrowing houses, auditory enrichment (music from a radio) was provided to sows of T groups daily from 0600 to 1800 h until the end of lactation. Until the day of farrowing, T sows were additionally subjected, for 15 s per day per sow, to continuous back scratching by one member of farm staff. Litter performance and piglet mortality were recorded and analysed between T and C sows using linear mixed regression models. The number of liveborn piglets (C 13.85 v. T 13.26) and liveborn corrected for fostering (C 13.85 v. T 13.43) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in C groups compared to the T groups. The number of stillborn piglets was 0.60 and 0.72 in T and C groups, respectively (P > 0.05). With regard to piglet mortality, a linear mixed regression model showed a significant overall effect of treatment in reducing piglet mortality (P < 0.01). Yet, the effect of treatment varied according to litter size (number of liveborn piglets) with a diminishing treatment effect in sows with a high litter size (P < 0.01). Pre-weaning survival was improved in the current study by the combined effect of daily back scratching of sows prior to farrowing and providing music to sows and piglets during lactation. Further research is needed to assess the separate effects of both interventions.

Phenotypic correlation of characteristics in the gilt performance test with an average number of live-born piglets through all achieved births, during the reproductive exploitation

ABSTRACT Reproductive efficacy of sows dictates the level of profitability of the production itself, and the moment of testing and selection of gilts for breeding (as the parents of a future generation), represents a very important moment. Given the fact that the selection of gilts for breeding is partly based on the weight-gain in the test, in this study we examined the influence of a daily weight-gain of gilts in the test of the manifestation of important reproductive characteristics - the size of the litter of the first and the other parities, as well as the percentage of sows that gave birth in relation to previous breeding process. Data of the 11637 tested gilts that completed the performance test have been used for the test. The studied characteristics were: the weight-gain at the end of the test, the number of live-born piglets, the number of stillborn piglets and the number of grown-weaned piglets in the first litter and the total number of live-born piglets, the total number of stillborn piglets and the total number of grown-weaned piglets. The results obtained in this study showed the effect of weight-gain in the reproductive efficacy test in the number of the live-born piglets in the first and from the 2nd to the 9th parity, as well as the percentage of the sows included in the next breeding process. By including all selected independent variables that showed the adequate statistical significance in correlation with the dependent variable, the determination coefficient rises to a value of 0.098 which represents 9.80% of the influence on the dependent variable, that can be explained by the independent variable, which leads to the conclusion that the binding strength between the variable "average live" and all the independent variables: “the number of litters”, the MLD depth” and “the back-fat thickness”, is very weak, which is not a rare case in multiple regression.

Factors affecting sow colostrum yield and composition, and their impact on piglet growth and health

The present study investigated sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and factors affecting them, and their relation to piglet survivability, growth and mortality. The study included 230 sows with 3,210 live-born piglets from five Finnish and one Dutch sow herd. Sow farrowing was supervised, and piglets were individually weighed at birth (BWB) and 24 h after birth of first piglet in order to calculate piglet CI and sow CY. Colostrum nutritional composition, immunoglobulin (Ig), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) contents were assessed. Sow plasma SAA, Hp and progesterone around farrowing were also assessed. Selected ear-tagged piglets were weighed at 3–4 weeks of age to calculate individual average daily gain. Sow CY was positively correlated with plasma Hp (P = 0.029) and number of live-born piglets (P < 0.01). An additional minute of farrowing duration lowered the CY by 2.2 g (P = 0.01). Piglet CI was positively associated with piglet weight at birth (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with the number of live-born piglets in the litter and percentage of protein in the colostrum (P < 0.001). Both piglet CI and birth weight were positively associated with piglet average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.001). Piglet survival from birth to weaning depends on CI. We established that the risk of piglet death or of a piglet being treated with antibiotic before weaning increases with a decrease in sow back fat thickness at farrowing (P = 0.04). Similarly, we found that piglets from litters with low BWB and low CI had a higher risk of death before weaning (P < 0.001). Piglets born from sows with lower levels of colostrum IgA and SAA and high plasma progesterone at the end of farrowing had a higher risk of neonatal diarrhea (P = 0.04; P = 0.05; P = 0.04). Piglets born from sows having higher back fat thickness at weaning had a higher risk of developing weaning diarrhea (P = 0.02). In conclusion, longer farrowing duration can be detrimental and can negatively influence sow CY. Sow body condition and physiological status around farrowing can also affect CY, and thereby increase piglet mortality and use of antibiotics in neonatal piglets. Neonatal piglets can benefit from higher colostrum immunoglobulins, SAA, and decreased level of plasma progesterone in sows at the end of farrowing.